Most cultures previous to the current industrial and technologically based society, took into account not only the terrestrial but also the celestial cycles in designing and decorating their buildings.
Passing beneath a large figurative zodiac painted on a ceiling, one is reminded of the divine order of the movements in the cosmos. This mysterious mirroring effect between earth and sky has inspired artists and their patrons for centuries.
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A less esoteric and more practical use of celestial objects is offered by sundials. Some of the oldest painted wall sundials date back to the 18th century. Their paint is faded but is still visible, and they still function!
<Maybe there should be a picture here of the painted sundial in Roberto's former place near Impruneta. Is there a good one??>
Sundials that are painted on walls have several advantages over regular garden sundials because they are vertical and can be seen from a distance. Since they're usually high up on a wall, they are more vandal-resistant and may avoid being shaded by nearby trees or buildings so they function for more time during the day. And, of course, they are more colourful!
