Designs for a clock (Illustrations for "Saggi di naturali esperienze") 1666

This detailed pen and brown ink drawing, made in Italy around 1690 by the Circle of Giuseppe Cocchini, presents designs for a clock. But it’s more than just a technical drawing; it embodies the burgeoning scientific culture of the late 17th century. During this period, institutions like the Accademia del Cimento in Florence, for which Cocchini worked, played a crucial role in promoting empirical observation and experimentation. The meticulous depiction of the clock and pendulum reveals a fascination with precision and measurement. This was a time when understanding the natural world was increasingly seen as a public endeavor, supported by wealthy patrons, and disseminated through publications. To fully appreciate this drawing, we can consult publications and records from institutions such as the Accademia del Cimento to investigate the social and intellectual context in which it was produced. What seems like a simple clock design, in the end, offers a window into the changing relationship between art, science, and society.