David Roentgen was an 18th century cabinet maker whose cabinetry, interestingly, was considered rather so-so, for the most part; however, he was a brilliant designer and builder of mechanisms of various kinds, including the automaton featured in today's video. The figure is a representation of Marie Antoinette, and she's playing a dulcimer. This amazing piece was presented by Roentgen to King Louis XVI in 1784.
Bonus video! "Why Can't We Make New Stradivari Violins?"
I'm amazed that the Antoinette automaton survived the French Revolution. And I'm glad that it did!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Stradivari violin ... ... my maternal grandmother had a violin she inherited from her grandfather. She always insisted that it could be a Stradivari.
The Cliff Notes version of this story being ... ... no, it ain't a Stradivari. Sorry, Grandma!
But it's still in the family, as an heirloom, even though there's ZERO musical talent in this branch.
Could it be another high-end antique violin, like a Guarnerius? I don't recollect any Pacos really shining in the music department, either.
DeleteNo, it was examined by a knowledgeable person, who pointed out the manufacturer marks inside the violin. It's old, having been made in the late 19th Century in America, but not a "Strad".
DeleteGrandma was a decent person, and I loved her dearly, but she had a tendency to believe what she wanted to.
One time, in the late 1960s, she proudly announced to the family that we were descendants from Irish royalty. Her proof? She had an official looking certificate and a nifty coat of arms that she received from a genealogy research company.
AFTER she sent them a check for $400.
No one made a comment in front of her. But I did hear my parents discussing it with the other adults.
I believe the Stradivarii are just very well-made, well-kept instruments that benefit from a centuries old brand name. They’ve done tests demonstrating that most experts can’t distinguish between the sound of a Stradivarius from that of other equally well-made violins.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Roentgen’s automaton is captivating.
ReplyDeleteI was waiting for the Queen's head to fall off at the end of the song. But she is a remarkable piece of work nevertheless.
ReplyDelete