Marie Antoinette’s commissioned pocket watch, displayed in London, showcases advanced features for its time, including a stopwatch and thermometer. The exhibition at the Science Museum highlights the interplay of science and royalty during the 17th and 18th centuries, demonstrating how such innovations enhanced France’s prestige.
A pocket watch commissioned for Marie Antoinette is showcased in London as part of the exhibition “Versailles: Science and Splendour.” Completed long after her execution, this watch is lauded for its intricate features and beauty. Dubbed the “smartwatch of its time” by Dr Glyn Morgan, it boasts capabilities like a stopwatch, thermometer, self-winding mechanism, and a perpetual calendar with leap year adjustments. This exhibition highlights the role of scientific knowledge in enhancing the prestige of France during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The exhibition at the Science Museum in London examines the intersection of science and royalty, focusing on the grandeur and advancements of the court at Versailles during the early modern period. Marie Antoinette’s pocket watch serves as a prime example of horological advancements that became synonymous with power and style in this era. The complexities of the watch reflect both artistic craftsmanship and the technological progress of the time, showcasing a blend of luxury and utility that defined royal artefacts.
In summary, the pocket watch once commissioned for Marie Antoinette exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and the scientific advancements of its time. Its array of features provides a glimpse into the sophistication prevalent at the French court. The ongoing exhibition contextualises these artefacts within the broader narrative of the scientific revolution, reinforcing their significance in the history of power and prestige in France.
Original Source: www.rte.ie