Cummer Vallin Table Clock Superb architectural engravings feature on each vertical side of the clock’s mercury gilt-brass case. Engraved on each ofthe step-moulded sides are three arcaded courtyard vistas in perspective. The central arch depicted on each functions as a window to a detailed view with depictions of a tree on one side, a castle on another, then a windmill and a bridge on the other sides. This clock’s arcaded courtyard design appears to have been copied from the work of Hans Vredeman de Vries (b. c1527, d. c1606), a Dutch painter, draughtsman, engineer and architect. De Vries’ designs for colonnades, courtyards and loggias won him considerable fame. He published 72 of these designs in his book Perspective (Leiden) in 1604-5. The book became something of a staple in the libraries of scholars, architects and artists like Dutch painters Sir Peter Paul Rubens (b. 1577, d. 1640) and Johannes Vermeer (b. 1632, d. 1675). De Vries’ painted and drawn designs were based on the principles of central perspective, and he helpfully provided explanatory texts that made the perspective complexities easier to understand. Engraved above the clock’s arcaded courtyard scenes is a geometric band with a chain-link pattern. The upper top plate of the case features engraved fan spandrels in the corners. The fan spandrels frame the re-instated bezel, which holds the restored pierced and engraved cupola bell cover. The bell cover is crowned by the circular dial plate. The dial features a delicate silver champlevé chapter ring with Roman numerals and engraved flower-head half hour markers. Within the chapter ring is a gilt 24 hour ring with engraved Arabic numerals. The pierced and engraved centre disc features fan spandrels, similar to those engraved on the corners of the upper top plate. The fan spandrels on the dial radiate out from the pierced centre and are interspersed by foliage. A single hour hand indicates the time. The latched base panel of the clock retains its original gilding and exhibits signs of wear. It has an engraved square border framing several concentric circles. Within the circles is an ornate scroll engraved cartouche, which frames the maker’s signature: VALLEN (note the alternative spelling of Vallin’s name). When the latched base is removed, the movement’s bottom plate is revealed. This also retains much of its original gilding and features the externally mounted calibrated countwheel with engraved numbers. The top and bottom plates of the movement are held by four baluster pillars. The pillars’ square section bases are secured to the bottom plate. The going train has a chain driven conical fusee to maintain an equal torque from the spring barrel, while the hour striking and alarm trains are driven from a fixed steel barrel. Like many early clocks, this one has been altered over its lifetime to suit changing fashions and keep it in running order. The bell has recently been reinstated under the dial in keeping with how it originally would have looked. This clock is one of the three recorded horizontal square table clocks by Vallin. The other two clocks are from the Musée International d'Horlogerie’s collection at La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland and The Portland Collection. These two clocks are of similar design. For instance, each of their back panels have square and circular line engraved borders with Vallin’s signature within an engraved cartouche. Additionally, the chapter ring of the Portland Collection clock is similarly engraved with Roman numerals, flowerhead half hour markers and an inner 24-hour ring. Vallin also created superb watches, including the enamelled case watch, c1600 (Acc. № 17.190.1475), and a drum clock watch with alarm that has a passing hour strike of a single bell in a pierced and engraved gilt case (Acc. № 17.190.1476), both at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There is also his beautiful astronomical clock c1600 in this Collection and the notable weight driven musical carillon clock, signed N Vallin 1598, at the British Museum (№ 1958,1006.2139). References Borggrefe, H., T. Fusenig and B. Uppenkamp (eds). 2002. Hans Vredeman de Vries und die Renaissance im Norden. Munich: Hirmer. Dawson, P. G., C. B. Drover and D. W. Parkes. 1994 [1982]. Early English Clocks: a discussion of domestic clocks up to the beginning of the eighteenth century. Woodbridge: The Antique Collectors’ Club, p. 25, pls. 16- 18. Vredeman de Vries, H. 1604-5. Perspective (Dover pictorial archive series). New York: Dover Publication
