From the Medici family collections, this Multifaceted Solar Clock has eight triangular faces, seven of which are finely decorated according to the typical Stefano Buonsignori style (d. 1589). It is calibrated for 43° 3', the latitude of Florence, and is equipped with a small compass for correct orientation with magnetic and geographic meridians. Except for the face at the base and the north face, every other face of the instrument shows a different sundial type (horizontal, declining or reclining) complete with pointer (gnomon). The faces have diagrams based on the main time keeping system used in Italy until the early nineteenth century - also known as "italic hours" - based on the subdivision of the day into 24 equal hours starting from sunset time.  As cosmographer for the Grand Duke Francesco I de 'Medici, Buonsignori created a full range of polyhedral sundials (multifaceted solar clocks), demonstrating mathematical and 

astronomical mastery. Some sundials were designed to indicate several time systems simultaneously (Italian hours, Babylonian hours, French hours, and astronomical hours). Buonsignori also undertook to complete the doors of the Hall of Geographical Maps of Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence, showing maps of countries from all over the world. He also prepared the maps of the Medici domains, which were later frescoed by Ludovico Buti (1555-1611) on the walls of the Mathematics Room of the Uffizi Gallery. Overall, Buonsignori's work demonstrates the delicate relationship between art and science typical of Italian culture until the mid-eighteenth century. As such, he witnesses the issues of cultural heritage protection. This protection requires the simultaneous contribution of several competences - scientific, technological, historical and artistic - in the various areas of conservation, study and valorisation.