Wednesday, November 3, 2010

More Robo-Rococo!

What a coincidence!  There has been so much fuss over the Murakami exhibit at Versailles that it has overshadowed an exhibit that I personally would be more excited to see.  Sciences and Curiosities at the Court of Versailles runs from now to 9 February and displays some of the very automata we were just talking about!  Something I found pretty cool about the exhibit was it contains the Marie Antoinette automaton which will be returning to the palace after a lengthy absence; although, as it is explained in the video, she bought it for the Academy of Science.  Check out the video for the interesting exhibit below:



8 comments:

  1. Awesome! Thanks for posting this.

    lunarismoon.blogspot.com

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  2. How fascinating! This reminds of the 'clockwork androids' also in a Rococo setting in that DW episode, The Girl in the Fireplace

    H

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  3. Now that would be an amazing trip, getting to see Versailles & the automatons. Magical! It was kind of Marie to purchase the automaton for the Academy of Science, especially when many a queen or princess would have kept such a lovely curiousity in their personal collection.

    Have you seen Cathrine the Great's peacock clock? It is exquisit!
    http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/12/2006/hm12_1_22.html

    here it is in motion at the Winter Palace.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoJ029y4Z0c&feature=related

    this one is louder & longer, but I love the gasps & the clapping from the crowd
    http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1120517/the_peacock_clock_in_the_pavilion_hall/

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  4. Here is a short video on the famous Turk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdT4yG8wczQ&feature=related

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  5. @CS, Glad you enjoyed!

    @H, I'm one of the few ppl who doesn't watch DW (I have enough addictions!) but "clockwork androids" are exactly what they are! There is something so fascinating about them

    @CSS, Thanks! That peacock is MAGNIFICENT!

    @Anon, I JUST saw this video, and was wondering where it was when I was looking for one of the Turk reconstruction. Thanks for the link!

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  6. Incredible! Thanks so much for posting that.

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  7. Sounds like a worthy excuse to visit if you ask me! Fabulous!

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