Buschman “Minerva” German Horizontal Table Clock

Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, improving steadily into the Age of Discovery. Embodying a renewed interest in science, the arts and humanism, the first mechanical timepieces began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks, when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the wealthy upper classes. Affluent patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and ornate clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted.

German table clocks dating to the mid-17th century similar to this spectacular piece can be found in the collections of London’s British Museum, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Frick Collection in New York. Buschman timepieces are hotly desired by collectors and connoisseurs alike and are highly sought-after at Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions,

circa 1650, Augsburg, Germany

Gilded backplate engraved with signature, “Johannes Buschman, Aug:”

Measures: 5 5/8″ wide x 5 5/8″ deep x 5″ high.