11/8/2023 0 Comments Female clockwork automatonThe king's comparison of clockwork to a miracle references the contest between human clockmakers and the divine, a popular concept in the Renaissance. The prince's father, Philip II, vowed "a miracle for a miracle" and commissioned this automaton representing the monk, who was canonized as a saint (San Diego, namesake of the California city). Though its origins are shrouded in mystery, one legend proposes that this marvel was made after a relic of the Franciscan brother Diego de Alcalá miraculously cured the young Spanish prince Don Carlos. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C. Hardwood (stained beech or poplar), traces of enamel, leather, metals, paint. Possibly circle of Juanelo Turriano, (ca. The mirrored panels behind them are positioned to create the illusion of a large ballroom the trick is simple yet effective. It also sets in motion a cast of commedia dell'arte figures that dance in a circle or spin and jump on the hour. Clocks like this one-the earliest surviving example of its type-made it possible to enjoy recorded music at home.Ī multisensory entertainment for the noble classes, this piece has a clockwork mechanism that plays three jaunty original compositions (one of which can be heard in this video) on a spinet and an organ. The clock's case is marked "eben," which the cabinetmaker's guild used to indicate real ebony (and not a cheaper substitute), and its corners are embellished with fine silver caryatids (female supporting ornaments). Its production required the cooperation of several artisans. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Clara Mertens Bequest, in memory of André Mertens, 2002 (2002.323a–f)Įach part of this marvel, a combination of clock, musical instrument, and automaton, would have added to its expense. Silver, brass, iron, gilding, ebony, hardwood, parchment, leather, textile, paint. Musical Automaton Clock with Spinet and Organ, ca.
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