Clock 1705 - 1775

Franz Xavier Gegenreiner crafted this clock, with no specific date, adorned with rich allegorical scenes. Notice the abundance of figures, which evoke classical antiquity, illustrating moments of revelry and mythological tales. Such scenes, deeply rooted in the Dionysian tradition, connect to the primal human desires for ecstasy and freedom. These images are not unique; they echo motifs found on ancient Greek vases and Roman frescoes. Consider, for example, the repeated image of the bacchanal, a theme symbolizing unrestrained joy and liberation, emotions that resonate through centuries. The figures’ dynamic poses—twisting and turning, reaching out—speak to the psychological depths of human experience. This clock is more than a time-telling device; it is a vessel of cultural memory. Its imagery reflects the timeless human quest for understanding and expressing our innermost passions. The clock serves as a reminder of how the past continually reshapes our present, influencing how we perceive time itself.