Mid-17th Century Gilt Brass Crucifix-Shaped Table Clock

Inventory number: C2006001

Made circa the mid-17th century in France, 76 x 23 x 26 cm, signed MOLARD A GRENOBLE, with ebony and gilt-bronze case. The theme of this clock is the Passion of Jesus, and the letters " INRI " on the bronze plaque often appear in works on the subject of the Cross.

The initialism INRI (Latin: Iesvs Nazarenvs, Rex Iudaeorvm) represents the Latin inscription (in John 19:19), which in English translates to "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews." In the narrative of the Passion of Jesus, the title "King of the Jews" leads to charges against Jesus that result in his crucifixion.

At the top of the crucifix is a rotating enameled spherical dial, with two coiled serpent's heads above and below the sphere to indicate the hours and minutes. The Roman numerals ring displays the hours, and the Arabic numerals ring displays the minutes. The ebony case reveals a rectangular movement protected on all sides by finely engraved brass plaques, gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, hand-pierced and engraved balance cock, engraved regulator dial, and verge escapement.

Functions: hours, minutes, and hour striking.