Automaton Clock in the Shape of Diana on Her Chariot

Recent collection research has recovered from storage a rare and richly decorated automaton clock, made around 1610 in Augsburg, Germany. Probably drawing inspiration from contemporary prints, the clock portrays the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana, on a chariot pulled by two leopards. Precious clocks like this were collaborative enterprises among goldsmiths, sculptors, clockmakers, engravers, and even cabinetmakers. They were important status symbols in European courts, representative of the most cutting-e