{"id":2312,"title":{"rendered":"Clock dial of Tallinn\u2019s Church of the Holy Spirit"},"slug":"tallinna-puha-vaimu-kiriku-kella-numbrilaud","excerpt":{"rendered":"According to the account book of the Church of the Holy Spirit, the joiner Herman Berents and a sculptor who has remained anonymous made a new clock dial for the church\u2019s fa\u00e7ade in 1684. Berents\u2019s assistant is thought to have been Christian Ackermann, judging by the carving style."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What happened to the church clock?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 16 June 1684, ten days after the great fire that devastated Toompea, the tower of Tallinn\u2019s Church of the Holy Spirit caught fire from a lightning strike. The clock that was mounted on the church\u2019s facade together with the clock\u2019s cartouche that had been carved by Adam Pampe was destroyed in the fire. Work on restoring the tower and the clock began right after the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did Christian Ackermann make the new clock\u2019s cartouche?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the invoices of the churchwarden Heinrich von Geldern, a cabinetmaker and a sculptor were paid to restore the clock. The cabinetmaker Herman Berents was paid 4 riksdalers and the sculptor was paid 10 riksdalers for four evangelists and other carving work. Unfortunately, the sculptor is not mentioned by name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to its style, it can nevertheless be assumed that this work was completed in Ackermann\u2019s workshop. There is auricular ornamentation consisting of \u2018cartilage\u2019, lobate rolls, and rows of little balls on the new clock\u2019s cartouche. This is the same d\u00e9cor that Ackermann used, together with the ends of little acanthus leaves (on the sides of the square of the clock), for the Simuna Church retable that was also in production in his workshop in 1684.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clumsiness of the poses of the carved evangelists and the occasional stiffness of the folds in the clothing, primarily in the area of the feet, may indicate that Ackermann did not perform all the work himself but rather that his assistants or apprentices performed part of the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The low price paid for the completion of this clock would also indicate, that this was the work of Ackermann\u2019s assistants. Heinrich Martens, who carved the clock of Tallinn\u2019s Cathedral a couple of years later was paid 16 riksdalers for his work, but by that time Ackermann was already a considerably better paid master than Heinrich Martens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div><\/div>

\n
\n \n
\"\"<\/a>\n
\n \n <\/i>\n 2<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>\n
\n \n <\/i>\n 4<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
  1. <\/li>
  2. <\/li><\/ol>\n <\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Auricular ornamentation<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    \n

    There is auricular ornamentation consisting of \u2018cartilage\u2019, lobate rolls, and rows of little balls on the clock\u2019s cartouche. This is the same d\u00e9cor that Ackermann used, together with the ends of little acanthus leaves (on the sides of the square of the clock), for the Simuna Church retable that was also in production in his workshop in 1684.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ornamentation is attached to the background using forged nails. Analysis of the style used indicates that the sculptor who carved the parts of the clock\u2019s cartouche that are in relief was the same sculptor with whom Ackermann worked on the pulpit at Karuse Church and the retable at Hageri Church.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

    \n

    Ungainly figures<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    \n

    The clumsiness of the poses of the carved evangelists and the occasional stiffness of the folds in the clothing, primarily in the area of the feet, may indicate that Ackermann did not perform all the work himself but rather that his assistants or apprentices performed part of the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The figures of the evangelists in relief differ from sculptures made by Ackermann himself in terms of essential details regarding carving technique: in terms of beards and hair that are simpler in form, the folds in narrow articles of clothing \u2018resembling scarves\u2019, and \u2018rolled up\u2019 sleeves with sharp peaks of folds and diagonal cutting lines.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Who constructed the new clock\u2019s clockwork?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It has been believed that the clockmaker Hans Gottfried Starck built the clockwork, but this has been proven to be a false assumption. Starck came to Tallinn later. Andreas Bautz(en) was the municipal clockmaker in the summer of 1684 and although his name is not written on the clockmaking invoices (as is the case for the sculptor as well), it can almost certainly be stated that it had to be the municipal clockmaker who built the new clockwork for the church where Tallinn\u2019s town council held its church services. Additionally, he received an annual salary for the clock\u2019s servicing and maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How did the error arise in identifying the clockwork\u2019s author?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hans Gottfried Starck arrived in Tallinn presumably in 1685. He became the next municipal clocksmith in 1689 after Bautz(en)\u2019s death. For some reason, the renovation of the clockwork of the Church of the Holy Spirit was undertaken in 1693 and this job was given in this instance once again to the municipal clockmaker, as can be expected. Based on this contract, it was believed that Starck was the author of the post-fire clockwork as well. Starck built the clockwork for the clock on Tallinn\u2019s Cathedral in 1692.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Much like Ackermann, Starck quarrelled with the masters of the locksmiths\u2019 guild. He did not want to join the guild since he considered his skills to be better than those of the guild members. Yet unlike Ackermann, he ultimately caved in to the pressure and joined Tallinn\u2019s locksmiths\u2019 guild in 1696.<\/p>\n"},"map_id":"4","link":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/en\/work\/tallinna-puha-vaimu-kiriku-kella-numbrilaud\/","works_date_label":"1684","works_date":"1684","featured_image":{"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/www-works-PYHAKELL-intro-1042x892.jpg"},"timeline_image":{"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/www-works-PYHAKELL-ajatelg-450x400.jpg"},"menu_order":null,"objects":[{"ID":5911,"id":5911,"title":{"rendered":"Clock Dial (P\u00fcha Vaim)"},"post_name":"clock-dial-puha-vaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":""},"object_name":"Clock dial","menu_order":null,"photo":[{"ID":5996,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/Numbrialud1.jpg"},{"ID":5998,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/Numbrialud2.jpg"}],"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"36e348e1ca474e59a9d22b617f554ddc","colrecmodel":""},{"ID":5956,"id":5956,"title":{"rendered":"Saint John the Evangelist (Pyhavaim)"},"post_name":"saint-john-the-evangelist-pyhavaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":"\n

    John was the youngest of Christ\u2019s twelve disciples. He is called the apostle of love. John was present at Christ\u2019s crucifixion and Christ entrusted his mother to John\u2019s care. After the Virgin Mary\u2019s death, John travelled with Peter preaching the gospel and was miraculously spared a martyr\u2019s death on two occasions. John has become known chiefly for the gospel that bears his name, his letters and the Book of Revelation. John\u2019s primary attributes are the eagle, as the symbol of the highest inspiration, a writing quill (lost from the sculpture) and a book, a reference to his writings.
    The day of St. John the Evangelist, little St. John\u2019s Day, is 27 December in the folk calendar.<\/p>\n"},"object_name":"Saint John the Evangelist","menu_order":null,"photo":[{"ID":6049,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVJohannes.jpg"},{"ID":6051,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVJohannes0.jpg"},{"ID":6053,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVJohannes1.jpg"},{"ID":6047,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVJohannes2.jpg"}],"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"e78dba6a761242ec99536bd8341f2a00","colrecmodel":""},{"ID":5954,"id":5954,"title":{"rendered":"Saint Luke the Evangelist (Pyhavaim)"},"post_name":"saint-luke-the-evangelist-pyhavaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":"\n

    The gospel that bears his name thoroughly describes the prehistory of the birth of Jesus and demonstrates that everything in this world will be fulfilled as expected in Jesus Christ. Luke also wrote down all of the convictions of the greatest missionary, the apostle Paul, and the events of his life. According to tradition, Luke also painted the Virgin Mary and Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The attribute of Luke is a (winged) ox, evidently because he stressed Christ as priest in his gospel, and because the ox is a symbol of sacrifice. The symbols of Luke as an evangelist are  a writing quill (lost from the sculpture) and a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    St. Luke\u2019s Day, \u2018luukap\u00e4ev\u2019, is 18 October in the folk calendar.<\/p>\n"},"object_name":"Saint Luke the Evangelist","menu_order":null,"photo":[{"ID":5974,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/Luukas1.jpg"},{"ID":5976,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/Luukas2.jpg"},{"ID":5978,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/Luukas3.jpg"}],"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"e6d4565809e14bd6bca919d628a3da45","colrecmodel":""},{"ID":5952,"id":5952,"title":{"rendered":"Saint Mark (Pyhavaim)"},"post_name":"saint-mark-pyhavaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":"\n

    Mark was the travelling companion of the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. After Paul\u2019s departure, Mark went to Rome with Peter and as Peter\u2019s secretary wrote his gospel, which is considered to be the oldest of the four gospels. Mark later preached the gospel in Libya and founded a Christian congregation in Alexandria, where he died a martyr\u2019s death. The attribute of Mark is a (winged) lion, probably because his gospel stresses the royal dignity of Christ as the Lion of Judah. As an evangelist and Peter\u2019s secretary, he holds a writing quill and a book. St. Mark\u2019s Day is 25 April in the folk calendar.<\/p>\n"},"object_name":"Saint Mark the Evangelist","menu_order":null,"photo":[{"ID":6055,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMarkus.jpg"},{"ID":6057,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMarkus2.jpg"},{"ID":6059,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMarkus3.jpg"},{"ID":6061,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMarkus4.jpg"}],"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"b21b20b08dec462f82e2da08ce1b10ba","colrecmodel":""},{"ID":5948,"id":5948,"title":{"rendered":"Clock dial (Pyhavaim)"},"post_name":"clock-dial-pyhavaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":""},"object_name":"Clock dial","menu_order":null,"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"","colrecmodel":""},{"ID":5950,"id":5950,"title":{"rendered":"Matthew (Pyhavaim)"},"post_name":"matthew-pyhavaim","excerpt":{"rendered":""},"post_content":{"rendered":"\n

    Before becoming a disciple of Christ, Matthew had been a Roman tax collector. It is presumed that Matthew wrote his gospel in Judea and later preached in Ethiopia. According to the tradition of the Old Church, his gospel was the first in the Scriptures and the command to Christianise all peoples is stated most clearly in it: \u201cGo then and make all peoples disciples \/...\/, teaching them to follow all that I have commanded to you!\u201d (Mt 28:19-20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew\u2019s symbol is an angel; his attributes are a writing quill (lost from the sculpture) and a book, which refer to his writing of the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    St. Matthew\u2019s Day, \u2018madisep\u00e4ev\u2019, is 21 September in the folk calendar.<\/p>\n"},"object_name":"Saint Matthew the Evangelist","menu_order":null,"photo":[{"ID":6068,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMatteus.jpg"},{"ID":6070,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMatteus1.jpg"},{"ID":6072,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMatteus2.jpg"},{"ID":6074,"guid":"https:\/\/ackermann.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/PVMatteus3.jpg"}],"mobiili_valiku_vaade":[{"ID":0,"guid":""}],"sketchfab_id":"f72c7f3ec7b34284af0ff396d017d6f6","colrecmodel":""}]}