Margrave Leopold
Leopold was looking at the huge crystal chandelier. It was glistening, while the candle flames were dancing in a reddish light. The bell of a clock made him turn towards the corner of the room. The automaton long case clock had a beautiful mahogany color. He went closer, to see it in detail. The arched white dial displayed a Roman chapter ring. It had blued steel hands and the maker’s name and place of work were written above number VI. “Fascinating!” he thought, while he touched the mahogany wood with the tips of his fingers. He felt his nails scratch the polished surface. The arch was depicting, in automata form, the moment when Eve offered Adam the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The arms of Adam and Eve were moving as the clock was ticking. The arch was also painted with wild animals. He looked closer and distinguished a lion, a tiger, a giraffe, and an elephant. In the four corners were depicted some churches. “I must have such a treasure, too! It’s a marvel of technology!” he thought, fascinated with the intricate design of the moving figures.
