The rich green colouring of this clock makes us think immediately of a hunting scene. And indeed – between the decorative green enamel work and the brilliant emeralds – there are little enamel reliefs showing animals. Incidentally, the large green stones set into the wooden base are not emeralds; they’re semi-precious peridots (pronounced: peri-dohs). The clock itself is borne aloft by two lions at the front and two bears at the back. You see that one of the lions is licking his lips! Royal huntsmen, dressed in green livery and carrying horns, flank the clock face. There are satyrs playing music on the reverse side, and more huntsmen at the corners.
The scene on the top of the clock depicts the conversion of St Hubertus, the patron of the hunt. According to legend, Hubertus was out hunting one day when a stag appeared in a forest clearing – with a crucifix between its antlers. That was enough to convert him.
There’s an odd atmosphere about the scene. Hubertus has dismounted from his horse and dropped to his knees. None of the hounds tries to attack the extraordinary stag. Peace and harmony reign in the forest – as in paradise.
This is one of the most beautiful table clocks produced in the eighteenth century, and it was made entirely in Saxony. The casing is the work of the court jeweller, Johann Heinrich Köhler. You can see other examples of his craftsmanship in this glasscase – and in others in this room. Next to Johann Melchior Dinglinger, Köhler was the most prolific court jeweller in Dresden, and August the Strong greatly admired his work. The Elector was so impressed with this table clock of 1720 that he placed it in the window of the Jewel Room, in the Green Vault.
- Location & Dating
- Dresden, around 1720 - 1727
- Material & Technique
- Movement: brass, partly gilt, steel; watch case: gold, silver, brass, gilt, enamel, gemstone setting (emeralds, diamonds, olivines), pearl
- Dimenions
- H 30,1 cm
- Museum
- Grünes Gewölbe
- Inventory number
- VI 2