Sundial de Eshof (Zonnewijzer de Eshof)

About this artwork.

Please note: The staff of the sundial is currently being restored.

The sundial consists of a sandstone cross that is hung with a wreath that also consists of sandstone. A Hermes staff of cast iron is placed between the cross and the wreath, which points heavenward from the ground. The staff is wrapped by two snakes, above which two wings spread. The crown is a pomegranate.

The staff itself symbolizes the axis between heaven and earth. The serpents refer to all opposing principles that are present in the universe, including man / woman, sun / moon, soul / spirit. The wings represent transcendence: the mystical experience of the supernatural. Finally, the pomegranate is a reference to Persephone, the goddess of the realm of the dead.

The Staff of Hermes in its entirety symbolizes peace, protection, healing, and above all the Unity achieved through the reconciliation of the opposites.

The sundial stands on a circular lawn with palm bushes, shaved in the shape of numbers, according to the solar time.

About the assignment.

De Eshof cemetery was established in 1885. In 1918, an extension was constructed on the southeast side, designed by garden architect Jan Vroom Jr. He designed a symmetrical butterfly-shaped layout, the wide center axis of which connected to the main axis of the old part. The sundial was placed on the central lawn.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  maker onbekend

• District
  Haren en omgeving

• Year of creation
  1919

• Art type
  Monument

• Material
  Sandstone, Cast iron

• Dimensions
  h 4,65 x b 4,00 x d 1,00 m / sokkel: h 0,25 m