Table clock

Description

Jeremias Metzker (1530-1592) was active in Augsburg, where he was granted the right to practise as a metalsmith in 1555. His signature is to be found on the base, IEREMIAS METZKER / VRMACHER / 1570 / MITBURGER ZVO AUGSPVRG (Jeremias Metzker, clockmaker, 1570, citizen of Augsburg). The exquisite decoration of the casing, using motifs deriving from engravings, the applied silver figures, the hunting scenes on the top and the crowning statuette of a female figure on a ball, are evidence of Metzker's skill. On the corners are female herms, who, together with silver figures representing the Virtues, are set on high plinths. The front side (not shown) has the pointers for the hours, minutes, the cardinal points, the signs of the zodiac, the position of the sun in the zodiac and the date; the reverse (shown) bears an astrolabe (rete with 22 stars, sun and moon pointers) and underneath a dial showing the days of the week. On the side of the case are six levers for setting the clock.