So-called Second Rolling-Ball Clock

on view: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer Room XXVII

The Rolling-Ball Clock: Invented for Emperor Rudolf II The court clockmaker Christoph Margraf invented the rolling-ball clockwork, which featured a new principle of timekeeping. A ball runs down a slope between two wires, sets a second ball in motion, and then is raised back to its initial position. A counting mechanism transfers the information to a clock face. The three such clocks that have been preserved are mounted in cases with reflecting mirrors and scenery.

Artist:
Christoph Margraf (nachweisbar Prag 1595 - 1612)

Time:
dated 1599

Object Name
Rolling-Ball Clock

Culture
Prague

Material/technology:
Wood, gilded copper alloy, glass, wax, iron

Dimensions:
H. 39,8 cm, B. 31,4 cm, T. 31,8 cm

Signed
Cum gratia & Privilegio Sac: Caes: Mai: Cristof Margraf Invent: 1599

Invs.
Kunstkammer, 840

So-called First Rolling-Ball Clock Christoph Margraf 1596

on view: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer Room XXVII

So-called Third Rolling-Ball Clock Christoph Margraf ca. 1600

on view: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer Room XXVII

Der Reichsapfel um 1200

on view: Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien

Pfalzgraf Friedrich II. (1482-1556), in ganzer Figur Hans Besser 1545 datiert

Erzherzogin Maria (1531-1581), Herzogin von Jülich, Cleve und Berg, Bildnis in ganzer Figur mit ihrer erstgeborenen Tochter Maria Eleonore Hans Besser um 1555