Tower-shaped desk clock

In the 16th century, Augsburg was one of the most important centres for watchmaking. Numerous craftsmen in this free city made clocks of all shapes and types. They were not only mechanical time-keeping devices, but above all works of art, reflecting the fashions of the day, revealing the craftsmanship of the watchmaker, and highlighting the financial position and social status of the client.
The clock in the Palace Museum resembles the shape of a church bell tower. As is usual for this type of clock, it has a square plinth at the bottom, above which rises a vertical section with a dial, a balustrade and a dome topped by a sculpture. The walls of the clock are decorated with carved and hammered grotesque elements, figures of eagles, running dogs and huddled hares.