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Austria/South Germany, 17th century
- Case
- engraved, chased and wrought ormolu, crucifixion group with silver figurines (consisting of Christ, Mary and John), silver-plated bronze mounts
- Dial
- time indication „au cercle tournant” with revolving enamel dial ring and stationary hand
- Movement
- verge escapement, hour strike on bell with count wheel, engraved ormolu plate with skillfully open-worked balance cock with detailed grape vine motif
- Height
- 12¼ in
Crucifix clocks are a phenomenon of the 16th and 17th centuries and were mainly made in southern Germany (particularly Augsburg) and Austria (especially Steyr/Upper Austria). They are a unique fusion of sculptural silversmithing, Christian devotional art and masterly clockmaking. The peculiarities of this type of clock include a base housing the movement, a mostly three-part figural crucifixion group and the rare „au cercle tournant“ time display.
This finely crafted early Baroque crucifix clock was created in the 17th century and is a first-class example of this special type of clock. The fire-gilt base with chased and embossed ornamentation provides space for the movement as well as for the bell of the hour strike with countwheel. An open-worked arcade around the base serves to enhance the sound of the bell. Inside the vertical crossbeam is a long arbor that connects the movement to the chapter ring in the spherical finial. This drives the “au cercle tournant”-time display in which (in contrast to a classic dial) the hand is fixed, and the chapter ring rotates.
The ormolu plate is elaborately decorated with engravings and ornamental applications. The balance cock is adorned with an open worked vine with two birds and a crown motif. Some of the visible elements of the movement with verge escapement are also elaborately engraved.
The figures of the crucifixion group, Christ, Mary and John, are made of silver, as well as the INRI plaque, the eagle with outstretched wings (a symbol of Jesus‘ ascension) and Adam’s skull. The latter refers to a Christian legend according to which the bones of Adam appeared at the foot of the cross at the moment of Jesus‘ death in an earthquake – a symbol of the redemption of humanity from the original sin of its progenitor.
This timepiece is an outstanding example of early Baroque clockmaking and a valuable treasure for the chambers of art and curiosities of the time.