Mechanical Galleon
Encyclopedia
The Mechanical Galleon is an elaborate nef or table ornament in the form of a ship, which is also an automaton
and clock. It was constructed in about 1585 by Hans Schlottheim in southern Germany
. It was in the possession of Augustus, Elector of Saxony
(who would have been one of the model courtiers shown on the ship). The model is now in the British Museum
in London.
, usually functioned as containers for salt, spices or other things, but the figures on deck in this example leave no room for a function of this sort. It is also mostly made of gilded
brass
, where earlier royal examples were usually in gold or at least silver-gilt
.
In the sixteenth century there was an enthusiasm for clockwork
automata, the production of which was funded by potentates including Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
and Suleyman the Magnificent. One of the craftsmen who made these automata was Hans Schlottheim. This particular piece was believed to have been owned by Rudolf II in Prague
but recent evidence points to it having been on the inventory of the Kunstkammer
of Augustus I
, Elector of Saxony in Dresden
in 1585.
Hans Schlottheim was a goldsmith and clockmaker who lived from 1547 to 1625. The important development that made these automata possible was the discovery of coiled tempered steel. It was possible to store potential energy
in the coiled spring steel
to create a portable energy supply. Clockwork was new and would have been regarded as "magic" in the sixteenth century.
The nef could be moved on wheels, which was usual; the wheels have now been removed. The hours and the quarter hours of the clock were struck using upside down bells in the crow's nest
s which were rung by hammers held by model seamen. There is a clock on the ship but it is small and almost lost in the detail at the base of the tallest mast. Mechanical music played accompanied by a drum on a skin hidden within the hull. The electors, including Augustus, Elector of Saxony
, walk before the figure of the Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor
. The electors became very rich and powerful by taking bribes in exchange for their power in deciding who was the Holy Roman Emperor.
Finally the ship would make noises and smoke as the cannons fired and trumpets blared. It was fancied that the Mechanical Galleon "might have enlivened the dullest imperial banquets by racing along the table, guns blazing and trumpets blowing".
The complexity of this nef meant that Hans Schlottheim had to include three separate clockwork mechanisms. One conventionally powered the chiming clock, but also provided the power for the seven revolving electors. The music, including the drum, was powered by another motor and the third gave the ship movement. The mechanism was said to require rewinding every 24 hours.
One of Schlottheim's other masterpieces was a clock which at the twelfth hour presented a mechanical nativity scene
. Joseph rocked Jesus' cradle followed by the approach of the Three Kings
and the shepherds. The Madonna then bowed to welcome them. At this point angels moved up and down whilst God was revealed giving a benediction. This clock is thought to have been lost during World War II
.
Octavius Morgan made a number of generous donations to the British Museum including this automaton in 1866. Historically, it is believed to be an artefact mentioned in an inventory of the Grünes Gewölbe
treasury of Augustus, Elector of Saxony
of Dresden
in 1585. It had been thought to have been owned by Rudolf II. The inventory records
There are known to be two similar nefs by the same craftsman. The most similar is in the Musée de la Renaissance
in Écouen
, France. The Nef that did belong to Rudolf II is silver and is in the Kunsthistorisches Museum
in Vienna.
which was a series of radio programmes that started in 2010 and that were created in a partnership between the BBC
and the British Museum. The leading figures in this partnership were Neil MacGregor
and Mark Damazer
. Damazer said
Automaton
An automaton is a self-operating machine. The word is sometimes used to describe a robot, more specifically an autonomous robot. An alternative spelling, now obsolete, is automation.-Etymology:...
and clock. It was constructed in about 1585 by Hans Schlottheim in southern Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. It was in the possession of Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus was Elector of Saxony from 1553 to 1586.-First years:Augustus was born in Freiberg, the youngest child and third son of Henry IV, Duke of Saxony, and Catherine of Mecklenburg. He consequently belonged to the Albertine branch of the Wettin family...
(who would have been one of the model courtiers shown on the ship). The model is now in the British Museum
British Museum
The British Museum is a museum of human history and culture in London. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its...
in London.
Construction
Nefs were extravagant ship-shaped table ornaments in precious metal that had been popular for some centuries among the very wealthy. Earlier types, such as the Burghley NefBurghley Nef
The Burghley Nef is a silver-gilt salt cellar made in Paris in 1527-8 . In medieval France the word nef was applied to various types of boat-shaped containers, including the most magnificent objects intended for the dining tables and buffets of the rich...
, usually functioned as containers for salt, spices or other things, but the figures on deck in this example leave no room for a function of this sort. It is also mostly made of gilded
Gilding
The term gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold. A gilded object is described as "gilt"...
brass
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...
, where earlier royal examples were usually in gold or at least silver-gilt
Silver-gilt
Silver-gilt or gilded/gilt silver, sometimes known in American English by the French term vermeil, is silver gilded with gold. Most large objects made in goldsmithing that appear to be gold are actually silver-gilt; for example most sporting trophies, medals , and many crown jewels...
.
In the sixteenth century there was an enthusiasm for clockwork
Clockwork
A clockwork is the inner workings of either a mechanical clock or a device that operates in a similar fashion. Specifically, the term refers to a mechanical device utilizing a complex series of gears....
automata, the production of which was funded by potentates including Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Rudolf II was Holy Roman Emperor , King of Hungary and Croatia , King of Bohemia and Archduke of Austria...
and Suleyman the Magnificent. One of the craftsmen who made these automata was Hans Schlottheim. This particular piece was believed to have been owned by Rudolf II in Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
but recent evidence points to it having been on the inventory of the Kunstkammer
Cabinet of curiosities
A cabinet of curiosities was an encyclopedic collection in Renaissance Europe of types of objects whose categorical boundaries were yet to be defined. They were also known by various names such as Cabinet of Wonder, and in German Kunstkammer or Wunderkammer...
of Augustus I
Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus was Elector of Saxony from 1553 to 1586.-First years:Augustus was born in Freiberg, the youngest child and third son of Henry IV, Duke of Saxony, and Catherine of Mecklenburg. He consequently belonged to the Albertine branch of the Wettin family...
, Elector of Saxony in Dresden
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area....
in 1585.
Hans Schlottheim was a goldsmith and clockmaker who lived from 1547 to 1625. The important development that made these automata possible was the discovery of coiled tempered steel. It was possible to store potential energy
Potential energy
In physics, potential energy is the energy stored in a body or in a system due to its position in a force field or due to its configuration. The SI unit of measure for energy and work is the Joule...
in the coiled spring steel
Spring steel
Spring steel is a low alloy, medium carbon steel or high carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows objects made of spring steel to return to their original shape despite significant bending or twisting.-Grades:...
to create a portable energy supply. Clockwork was new and would have been regarded as "magic" in the sixteenth century.
The nef could be moved on wheels, which was usual; the wheels have now been removed. The hours and the quarter hours of the clock were struck using upside down bells in the crow's nest
Crow's nest
A crow's nest is a structure in the upper part of the mainmast of a ship or structure, that is used as a lookout point.This position ensured the best view of the approaching hazards, other ships or land. It was the best device for this purpose until the invention of radar.In early ships it was...
s which were rung by hammers held by model seamen. There is a clock on the ship but it is small and almost lost in the detail at the base of the tallest mast. Mechanical music played accompanied by a drum on a skin hidden within the hull. The electors, including Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus was Elector of Saxony from 1553 to 1586.-First years:Augustus was born in Freiberg, the youngest child and third son of Henry IV, Duke of Saxony, and Catherine of Mecklenburg. He consequently belonged to the Albertine branch of the Wettin family...
, walk before the figure of the Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor
Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Rudolf II was Holy Roman Emperor , King of Hungary and Croatia , King of Bohemia and Archduke of Austria...
. The electors became very rich and powerful by taking bribes in exchange for their power in deciding who was the Holy Roman Emperor.
Finally the ship would make noises and smoke as the cannons fired and trumpets blared. It was fancied that the Mechanical Galleon "might have enlivened the dullest imperial banquets by racing along the table, guns blazing and trumpets blowing".
The complexity of this nef meant that Hans Schlottheim had to include three separate clockwork mechanisms. One conventionally powered the chiming clock, but also provided the power for the seven revolving electors. The music, including the drum, was powered by another motor and the third gave the ship movement. The mechanism was said to require rewinding every 24 hours.
One of Schlottheim's other masterpieces was a clock which at the twelfth hour presented a mechanical nativity scene
Nativity scene
A nativity scene, manger scene, krippe, crèche, or crib, is a depiction of the birth of Jesus as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke...
. Joseph rocked Jesus' cradle followed by the approach of the Three Kings
Biblical Magi
The Magi Greek: μάγοι, magoi), also referred to as the Wise Men, Kings, Astrologers, or Kings from the East, were a group of distinguished foreigners who were said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh...
and the shepherds. The Madonna then bowed to welcome them. At this point angels moved up and down whilst God was revealed giving a benediction. This clock is thought to have been lost during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Condition
In 2010, the Mechanical Galleon no longer functions. The drumskin that was used to drum as it rolled is no longer present, and the original wheels have been replaced with ball-shaped feet. The British Museum notes that the eight figures on deck are not the originals but casts taken from one original figure. However they also mention that they may have one of the figures, but are unsure as to whether it is from this nef. It is known that the figures on deck would have held drums and trumpets.Provenance
Grünes Gewölbe
The Grünes Gewölbe in Dresden is a unique historic museum that contains the largest collection of treasures in Europe. Founded by Augustus the Strong in 1723, it features a rich variety of exhibits from the Baroque to Classicism...
treasury of Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus, Elector of Saxony
Augustus was Elector of Saxony from 1553 to 1586.-First years:Augustus was born in Freiberg, the youngest child and third son of Henry IV, Duke of Saxony, and Catherine of Mecklenburg. He consequently belonged to the Albertine branch of the Wettin family...
of Dresden
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area....
in 1585. It had been thought to have been owned by Rudolf II. The inventory records
"A gilded ship, skilfully made, with a quarter and full hour striking clock, which is to be wound every 24 hours. Above with three masts, in the crows' nests of which the sailors revolve and strike the quarters and hours with hammers on the bells. Inside, the Holy Roman Emperor sits on the Imperial throne, and in front of him pass the seven electors with heralds, paying homage as they receive their fiefs. Furthermore ten trumpeters and a kettle-drummer alternately announce the banquet. Also a drummer and three guardsmen, and sixteen small cannons, eleven of which may be loaded and fired automatically."
There are known to be two similar nefs by the same craftsman. The most similar is in the Musée de la Renaissance
Château d'Écouen
The Château d'Écouen is a historical building in Écouen, north of Paris, France. It was built in 1538–1550 for Anne de Montmorency, who was made connétable in 1538. He had inherited the château in 1515, and his building campaigns were informed by his first-hand experience in overseeing royal works...
in Écouen
Écouen
Écouen is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris.Écouen houses the Château d'Écouen, home of the Montmorency family...
, France. The Nef that did belong to Rudolf II is silver and is in the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is an art museum in Vienna, Austria. Housed in its festive palatial building on Ringstraße, it is crowned with an octagonal dome...
in Vienna.
History of the World
This automaton was chosen to be one of the History of the World in 100 ObjectsA History of the World in 100 Objects
A History of the World in 100 Objects was a joint project of BBC Radio 4 and the British Museum, comprising a 100-part radio series written and presented by British Museum director Neil MacGregor...
which was a series of radio programmes that started in 2010 and that were created in a partnership between the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
and the British Museum. The leading figures in this partnership were Neil MacGregor
Neil MacGregor
Robert Neil MacGregor, OM, FSA is an art historian and museum director. He was the Editor of the Burlington Magazine from 1981 to 1987, the Director of the National Gallery, London, from 1987 to 2002, and was appointed Director of the British Museum in 2002...
and Mark Damazer
Mark Damazer
Mark Damazer CBE is the Master of St Peter's College, Oxford, and a former controller of BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 7 in the United Kingdom.He is the son of a Polish-Jewish delicatessen owner in Willesden in North London....
. Damazer said
“My absolute favourite so far is the 16th-century mechanical galleon. It is an extraordinary piece. It is tiny and its pieces move. Beyond its beauty, it tells a story about using patronage. All these early modern rulers competed with each other to make the best of this kind of object in order to show off their craftsmen. All I want is to take away the object and have it in my living room.”