Strongbox with clockwork

Alexander Fromery|Christian Ludwig von der Fecht

1750 · Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This sumptuous-looking strongbox is an extraordinary example of Berlin Rococo style, an interpretation of the rococo that was tailored to the taste of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia (r. 1740–1786). Frederick's name became synonymous with Rococo décor; in his honor, it was later called “Friderizianisches Rococo.” It may have been used to store the King’s seal, which represented the head of state in his absence to validate important contracts. The intricate lock, which has twenty-two sliding bolts requires two keys and secret knowledge to open; the keyhole to initiate the ceremony is hidden underneath the base of one of the soldiers stationed around the top. A collaboration between clockmaker Alexander Fromery and court gunsmith Christian Ludwig von der Fecht, the strongbox is an unparalleled showpiece of both the King’s taste and his artisan’s talent.

Artist

Alexander Fromery|Christian Ludwig von der Fecht

Date

1750

Medium

Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet

Culture

German, Berlin

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Acquisitions Fund, 2022.