Details
Image(s)
TitleLongcase Clock with Organ and String-Playing Movement, ‘Chronos Clock’
Creator David Roentgen (meubelmaker), Peter Kinzing (klokkenmaker), Johann Wilhelm Weyl (speelwerk)
PlaceNeuwied (Germany), Neuwied (Germany)
Year 1787
Object number1109
Object categorymechanical instruments with organ pipes, mechanical hammered string instruments, timepieces with musical movements
DescriptionThe music of this clock is played by no less than two instruments. An organ plays the melody, and the accompaniment is performed by strings. During the restoration of this famous royal musical clock, many discoveries were made. For example, the construction of the string box turned out to be exceptionally heavy-duty. This ensured that even in a drafty palace, the instrument remained in tune longer. It is possible that the clock was deliberately made for the target audience, the technology adjusted accordingly.
Accompanying textsThe musical movement, made by Johann Wilhelm Weyl (based on a signature in the windchest), has 30 keys for strings and 20 keys for the organ. The clock once played music, but this movement no longer works. The clock's repertoire included part of Gluck's ballet "Don Juan.”
Father and son Roentgen were one of the most successful furniture makers in Central Europe at the end of the 18th century. Still today, their furniture is of the highest quality. The Roentgens' furniture is characterized by beautiful decoration, innovative design, visionary production methods and even modern marketing strategies. For us, their collaboration with the monk and clockmaker Peter Kinzing is relevant. The Roentgens' business went through great ups and downs over time. The Seven Years' War (1756-63), for example, threw a spanner in the works and caused material and personnel shortages. Regular clients fortunately remained loyal, but the company was forced to produce at a loss. Still, the Roentgens, and especially son David, could count plenty of rich and famous individuals among their clientele. For example, the furniture was favored by Princess Marie-Antoinette and Empress Catherine II of Russia. David was wise enough to adapt the appearance of his furniture to the future owner. However, the end of the Roentgens' workshop coincided with the end of the Ancient Régime in the French Revolution, with wealthy patrons having to struggle to keep their own heads above water. David changed course, fulfilling a diplomatic role for the Prussian king until his death.
Father and son Roentgen were one of the most successful furniture makers in Central Europe at the end of the 18th century. Still today, their furniture is of the highest quality. The Roentgens' furniture is characterized by beautiful decoration, innovative design, visionary production methods and even modern marketing strategies. For us, their collaboration with the monk and clockmaker Peter Kinzing is relevant. The Roentgens' business went through great ups and downs over time. The Seven Years' War (1756-63), for example, threw a spanner in the works and caused material and personnel shortages. Regular clients fortunately remained loyal, but the company was forced to produce at a loss. Still, the Roentgens, and especially son David, could count plenty of rich and famous individuals among their clientele. For example, the furniture was favored by Princess Marie-Antoinette and Empress Catherine II of Russia. David was wise enough to adapt the appearance of his furniture to the future owner. However, the end of the Roentgens' workshop coincided with the end of the Ancient Régime in the French Revolution, with wealthy patrons having to struggle to keep their own heads above water. David changed course, fulfilling a diplomatic role for the Prussian king until his death.
Dimensions
geheel height: 194 cm
geheel width: 64 cm
geheel depth: 58 cm
geheel + achterdeur depth: 108 cm
deurtjes open width: 112 cm
geheel width: 64 cm
geheel depth: 58 cm
geheel + achterdeur depth: 108 cm
deurtjes open width: 112 cm