Detroit Institute of Arts Adds Rare 16th Century Automaton Clock to Permanent Collection; “The Rooster’s Crow” Clock Embodies Intersection of Renaissance Artistic Skill and Technological Innovation
Updated Nov 14, 2024
October 31, 2024 – (Detroit) – The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) announced today the recent acquisition of a rare 16th century automaton clock, “The Rooster’s Crow,” representing the first timepiece made prior to the 1600s to enter the DIA’s permanent collection. The clock will be on display beginning October 29, 2024.
“The Rooster’s Crow” (ca. 1585) stands approximately 24 inches tall and features an intricate gilt copper and brass case with engraved silver panels, crowned by a lifelike rooster automaton that announces each quarter hour by flapping its wings and opening its golden beak as if to crow. While its exact origins are unknown, parallels in clockmaking techniques and metalworking style suggest it was created in the German cities of Augsburg or Nuremberg.
“We are excited to acquire this rare clock for our permanent collection, as it represents the height of 16th century artistic skill and technological innovation,” said DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons. “We are pleased to offer our visitors an opportunity to see it up close and in action during our monthly demonstrations.”
The clock will be on display in the museum’s Northern Renaissance gallery, a location that was selected intentionally to create a dialogue between the clock and other masterworks of Northern European art, including Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s The Wedding Dance, and offer visitors a unique window into Renaissance court culture and technological advancement.
“The Rooster's Crow” will also be featured in special programming, and winding necessary for maintenance will allow visitors to see the clock in operation monthly. This initiative will bring movement and sound into the Renaissance galleries, offering an immersive experience of early modern craftsmanship and innovation.
Key features of “The Rooster's Crow” clock include:
- A fully operational and original mechanical system, exceptionally rare for clocks of this age
- A naturalistic rooster automaton that "crows" every quarter hour
- Miniature figures of the seven prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire, which parade around an enthroned emperor hourly
- Side panels guarded by cast and guilt busts of mustachioed soldiers wearing helmets in sixteenth-century fashion
- Four lion figures supporting the clocks base
- Exquisite metalwork combining gilt copper, brass, and engraved silver
The acquisition effectively expands and enriches the DIA’s world-class collection, providing visitors with exceptional opportunities to engage with art and technology across centuries.
Images
https://dia.org/collection/-roosters-crow-automaton-clock-115420
October 31, 2024 – (Detroit) – The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) announced today the recent acquisition of a rare 16th century automaton clock, “The Rooster’s Crow,” representing the first timepiece made prior to the 1600s to enter the DIA’s permanent collection. The clock will be on display beginning October 29, 2024.
“The Rooster’s Crow” (ca. 1585) stands approximately 24 inches tall and features an intricate gilt copper and brass case with engraved silver panels, crowned by a lifelike rooster automaton that announces each quarter hour by flapping its wings and opening its golden beak as if to crow. While its exact origins are unknown, parallels in clockmaking techniques and metalworking style suggest it was created in the German cities of Augsburg or Nuremberg.
“We are excited to acquire this rare clock for our permanent collection, as it represents the height of 16th century artistic skill and technological innovation,” said DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons. “We are pleased to offer our visitors an opportunity to see it up close and in action during our monthly demonstrations.”
The clock will be on display in the museum’s Northern Renaissance gallery, a location that was selected intentionally to create a dialogue between the clock and other masterworks of Northern European art, including Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s The Wedding Dance, and offer visitors a unique window into Renaissance court culture and technological advancement.
“The Rooster's Crow” will also be featured in special programming, and winding necessary for maintenance will allow visitors to see the clock in operation monthly. This initiative will bring movement and sound into the Renaissance galleries, offering an immersive experience of early modern craftsmanship and innovation.
Key features of “The Rooster's Crow” clock include:
- A fully operational and original mechanical system, exceptionally rare for clocks of this age
- A naturalistic rooster automaton that "crows" every quarter hour
- Miniature figures of the seven prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire, which parade around an enthroned emperor hourly
- Side panels guarded by cast and guilt busts of mustachioed soldiers wearing helmets in sixteenth-century fashion
- Four lion figures supporting the clocks base
- Exquisite metalwork combining gilt copper, brass, and engraved silver
The acquisition effectively expands and enriches the DIA’s world-class collection, providing visitors with exceptional opportunities to engage with art and technology across centuries.
Images
https://dia.org/collection/-roosters-crow-automaton-clock-115420