Zarbula Sundial 1840: Vallouise, France - Sundials on Waymarking.com

This sundial commissioned by la Marquise François Ponce de Bardonnèche in 1840 seemed to have established Zarbula's reputation as a sundial painter and launched his career. Records indicate that Zarbula painted as many as 12 sundials in 1840: 2 in Vallouise, 8 in St Veran, 2 in Queyras and 2 near Briançon. Unfortunately only 7 have survived. In 1840 Zarbula introduced the folk art features to his paintings: exotic animals and birds, sun and moon, flowers etc. The bold frame and bold colours were introduced on earlier sundials.

Atelier Tournesol beautifully restored this Vallouis sundial in 1990. It is dated 1840, signed ZGF and MFPB. A further attribution along the bottom is Mme Fse P. de B for Marquise François Ponce de Bardonnèche. The mottos are: In Lucem Omnnia Vana. Coelum Regula. FORTE TUA (My translation is: In the light, all is vanity. Heaven Rules. You must be strong).

To find this sundial, drive up the valley from L'Argentière la Bessée to the town of Vallouise. Park near the bridge and walk to the church. Pass the beautifully painted penitents chapel and walk down the path on the left about 200 meters to the old home of the Marquise. The sundial faces southeast and shows morning hours.

Atelier Tournesol of Grenoble have done excellent work restoring sundials. The produced lists old sundials recommending which ones merited restoration. These recommendations have guided government authorities in funding restoration work in Haute Alpes, Savioe and Isère. See (visit link)

Sundial Type: Vertical - Wall mounted dial plate Related Web Site: Not listed

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