Automaton Clock in the Form of Diana on Her Chariot

Recent collection research has recovered from storage a rare and richly decorated automaton clock, made around 1610 in Augsburg, Germany. Probably drawing inspiration from contemporary prints, the clock portrays the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana, on a chariot pulled by two leopards. Precious clocks like this were collaborative enterprises among goldsmiths, sculptors, clockmakers, engravers, and even cabinetmakers. They were important status symbols in European courts, representative of the most cutting-edge technology of their time, and they were often used as diplomatic gifts. This clock—which has been recently restored and is now on view in the European art galleries—is also a table carriage, a lavish form of tabletop entertainment during banquets. This short video unveils the highly sophisticated inner mechanism of the clock, delicate parts that are otherwise hidden from view and are remarkably still in tact. The video also captures the mesmerizing movements and sounds the clock makes when wound, revealing the creative and technical mastery behind this ingenious work of art.

Artist: Unknown
Automaton Clock in the Form of Diana on her Chariot
ca. 1610
Gilt bronze and silver; dials: enamel; case: ebony and gilt bronze; movement: iron and brass.
base: 13.02 x 29.53 x 44.45 cm (5 1/8 x 11 5/8 x 17 1/2 in.) 28.89 x 15.56 x 34.61 cm (11 3/8 x 6 1/8 x 13 5/8 in.)
Gift of Mrs. Laird S. Goldsborough
1951.19.2a-b

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Видео Automaton Clock in the Form of Diana on Her Chariot канала Yale University Art Gallery