Objekt 31
Mare clock with automaton and vanitas figure
Description
The spring-driven table clock with short pendulum has a quarter-hour and hour striking mechanism connected to an automaton. A vanitas figure sits on the base, a female figure in gold robes resting one arm on an hourglass and bringing the other arm to her face as the hour strikes. Another symbol of transience is the skull carved from ivory, which is connected to the pendulum and thus constantly moves back and forth.
Object description
South Germany, end of 18th century.
Oak wood, partly gilded, ivory, enamel, steel
Bequest Carl and Lini Nathan-Rupp, Binningen
Inv. 1982.1217.