Strongbox with clockwork
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Strongbox with clockwork
- Maker: Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775)
- Maker: Christian Ludwig von der Fecht (German, 1710–1753)
- Date: 1750
- Culture: German, Berlin
- Medium: Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet
- Dimensions: confirmed: 21 1/2 × 22 5/8 × 13 7/8 in., 110 lb. (54.6 × 57.5 × 35.2 cm, 49.9 kg)
- Classifications: Metalwork-Brass, Metalwork-Iron
- Credit Line: Purchase, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Acquisitions Fund, 2022.
- Object Number: 2022.366a–d
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Royal Porcelain Manufactory, Berlin
ca. 1765–68
Multiple artists/makers
1730–40
Multiple artists/makers
1730–40
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1730–40
Johann Michael Hoppenhaupt
ca. 1755–60
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.