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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pendulum clock · Roma

Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682

Verified

Combining technical innovation with artistic mastery, this silent clock with discreet illumination features a painted dial attributed to the master Carlo Maratta and a case probably made by the cabinetmaker Jakob Hermann. This type of clock was originally created to meet the needs of the “insomniac” Pope Alexander VII, who wished to check the time at night without being disturbed by light or noise.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH IV-1225
Object type
Pendulum clock
Place of production
Roma
Dating
1682
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
Bois, bronzes, dorure, peinture, pierres naturelles
Dimensions (catalogue)
Dimensions: 138.5 x 68.0 x 26.5 cm

Historical significance

  • Combining technical innovation with artistic mastery, this silent clock with discreet illumination features a painted dial attributed to the master Carlo Maratta and a case probably made by the cabinetmaker Jakob Hermann. This type of clock was originally created to meet the needs of the “insomniac” Pope Alexander VII, who wished to check the time at night without being disturbed by light or noise.
  • Acquired in 2024 with the support of the Amis du MIH and the Bureau de contrôle des ouvrages en métaux précieux, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the MIH.

Photographs

Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225)
Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225)
Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225)
Pietro Tommaso Campani, Night Clock, Rome, 1682 (MIH IV-1225) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. IV-1225: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/84064/

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.