The little man is clearly pointing his index finger at the clock dial. With his bushy eyebrows and his much-too-tight jacket, he is held up to ridicule.
Miniature sculptures as this one are among the most fascinating rarities on the clock market. Early pieces contain a verge escapement with a front pendulum. As this type of escapement was mostly made in Vienna, it is assumed that the first clock figurines were created in Austria.
The best-known figurines are representing traveling clock traders and are equipped with a time display. These “clock carriers“ were built in the Black Forest from the second half of the 19th century on and were displayed in the windows of the clock stores for advertising purposes.
This particular joke figure is part of a generous donation of twelve clock figurines. Many thanks for this valuable addition to our collection!
Joke figure with clock, around 1800, Inv. 2021-038