My previous post dealt with a series of paintings displayed in the "Ambras Schloss" of Archduke Ferdinand II, in Innsbruck, Austria. Archduke Ferdinand spent his life collecting various artworks, rarities, curiosities, suits of armor, natural items, etc – so many that there are several separate museums in the Ambras Schloss. The Chamber of Arts and Curiosities – the most interesting museum, in my opinion – displays an eclectic assortment of astonishing pieces. The following are among my favorite.
Mount Golgotha; 1550
Crafted from rock, silver, gold, and other metals, "Mount Golgotha" shows a mining gallery on the summit of which is a depiction of Christ on the Cross.
Pots
...made of cow and pig bladders. Need I say more?
Cabinet; Late 16th Century
Made of marble and alabaster, this cabinet is carved into a three-story palace with a pavilion, a balustrade, a silver fountain, four staircase towers, and a canopy over a throned man. The cabinet can be opened by a lock on one of the towers – when the lock us unlocked, the tower can be removed to reveal an opening. The cabinet can also be used as a safe.
Writing Utensil Container; 2nd half of the 16th century
Made of thin wood chips, this writing utensil box is designed in the shape of a multi-part building with a circular ground plan and a central structure. The upper part – decorated with domes, pavilions, towers, etc – is a lid and is removable. Once opened, its contents are revealed: two ink drums and a brush.
Table Clock; c. 1590-1600
This table clock is made of iron or brass and solid fire-gold-plated copper plates. The clock has five dials on its face, for telling time, and a panel on the bottom with the labels "wake" and "wake not," to be used as an alarm clock.
Tödlein (Death with a Bow and Arrows); c. 1520; Hans Leinberger
This statue of death is made of a single piece of pear wood. Death is depicted with a bow, arrows, and a quiver, which have been considered the attributes of death since the fifteenth century. These attributes are derived from Psalm 7, verses 12-14: "God is a just Judge, strong and patient: is He angry every day? Except you will be converted, He will brandish His sword: He hath bent His bow and made it ready. And in it He hath prepared the instruments of death, He hath made ready His arrows for them that burn."
