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Rolling Ball Clock

Hans Schlottheimca. 1600

Green Vault, Dresden State Art Museums

Green Vault, Dresden State Art Museums
Dresden, Germany

This rolling ball clock in the form of an octagonal tower is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering which combines the function of a music box with that of a figural automaton. In exactly one minute a rock crystal ball circled the towershaped clock 16 times while a second ball inside the case was raised. When this happened, the hand moved on and Saturn struck a bell with his hammer. Apart from these special technical features this exclusive clock also boasts an ambitious iconographic programme.

Details

  • Title: Rolling Ball Clock
  • Creator: Hans Schlottheim
  • Creator Lifespan: 1547 - 1625
  • Creator Nationality: German
  • Creator Gender: Male
  • Date Created: ca. 1600
  • Physical Dimensions: w600 x h1200 x d600 cm
  • Collection: Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault)
  • Type: goldsmith sculpture
  • Rights: Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Photographer: Jürgen Karpinski
  • External Link: http://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/de/contents/show?id=118366

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