ornamentedbeing:Author: Peter Kintzing (1745-1816) and David Roentgen (1743-1807)Date: 1784Character
ornamentedbeing:Author: Peter Kintzing (1745-1816) and David Roentgen (1743-1807)Date: 1784Characteristics/Origins: Steel, wood, ivory, brass, textile. Paris, musée des Arts et Métiers – Conservatoire national des arts et métiers © Musée des arts et métiers-Cnam, Paris/photo Philippe HurlinDescription:“This famous android was a collaborative effort by two Germans. Clockmaker Peter Kintzing created the mechanism and joiner David Roentgen crafted the cabinet; the dress dates from the 19th century.* Automatons were in circulation and aroused much curiosity. Roentgen probably sent the tympanum to the French court and Marie-Antoinette bought it in 1784. The queen, aware of its perfection and scientific interest, had it deposited in the Academy of Sciences cabinet in 1785. The tympanum is a musical instrument that plays eight tunes when the female android strikes the 46 strings with two little hammers. Tradition has it that she is a depiction of Marie-Antoinette.”* I’m curious about that. I wonder if perhaps it was a typo and they meant 18th century instead? -- source link
#18th century#1780's#1784#mechanical#android#clockwork#tympanum#marie antoinette#extant garments#fascinating#automaton#david rotengen