Handstone with Model Mine
ca. 1764
Handstones assembled from minerals and ores continued to be popular gifts from miners to their sovereigns during the 18th century. This example is an accurate model of a gold and silver mine in Slovakia that was presented to Joseph II in Kremnica in 1764. It demonstrates an innovation in mining technology: the use of an atmospheric steam engine to pump out water, developed in 1722.
Handstones assembled from minerals and ores continued to be popular gifts from miners to their sovereigns during the 18th century. This example is an accurate model of a gold and silver mine in Slovakia that was presented to Joseph II in Kremnica in 1764. It demonstrates an innovation in mining technology: the use of an atmospheric steam engine to pump out water, developed in 1722.
Time:
ca. 1764
Object Name
Handstone
Culture
Kremnica
Material/technology:
Minerals, partially gilded silver
Dimensions:
H. 39,5 cm, B. 50 cm, T. 40,6 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 4146