Castel del Monte, Apulia. Italy. 13th-century
Castel del Monte, located in the municipality of Andria, rises on a rocky hill dominating the surrounding countryside of the Murgia region in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. A unique piece of medieval architecture, it was completed in 1240.
The castle’s location, its perfect octagonal shape, as well as the mathematical and astronomical precision of its layout all reflect the broad education and cultural vision of its founder, Emperor Frederick II.
Castel del Monte, located in the municipality of Andria, rises on a rocky hill dominating the surrounding countryside of the Murgia region in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. A unique piece of medieval architecture, it was completed in 1240.
The castle’s location, its perfect octagonal shape, as well as the mathematical and astronomical precision of its layout all reflect the broad education and cultural vision of its founder, Emperor Frederick II.
Traditional Europe
The Gold bust of Septimius Severus (194–197 AD) It was found in 1965 in Greece and it is now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Komotini, in the town of Komotini. It is one of the only two surviving gold busts of a Roman Emperor today, the other being…
Golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius from Avenches, western Switzerland. (161–180 AD)
Custodia Clock with Oil Lamp by Hans de Evalo (1583)
The Flemish clockmaker Hans de Evalo, in the service of King Philip II of Spain, created this remarkable mantel clock in 1583. Made of gilded bronze, it is considered one of the earliest night clocks in Europe. Its design is inspired by a religious monstrance (custodia) and is supported by a female figure.
The figure holds a square case with a hinged lion’s head on the front. When lifted, it allowed a small oil lamp to illuminate the dial, making it possible to tell the time in the absence of daylight—ideal for Philip II, who was known to work late into the night.
Evalo worked in Madrid from at least 1575, was officially appointed royal clockmaker in 1580, and remained in the post until his death in 1598. The clock is signed inside the dial: “Hans de Evalo, F. In Madrid 1583.”
After leaving the royal collection, the clock resurfaced in 1907 and was eventually returned to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial during the reign of Alfonso XIII.
The Flemish clockmaker Hans de Evalo, in the service of King Philip II of Spain, created this remarkable mantel clock in 1583. Made of gilded bronze, it is considered one of the earliest night clocks in Europe. Its design is inspired by a religious monstrance (custodia) and is supported by a female figure.
The figure holds a square case with a hinged lion’s head on the front. When lifted, it allowed a small oil lamp to illuminate the dial, making it possible to tell the time in the absence of daylight—ideal for Philip II, who was known to work late into the night.
Evalo worked in Madrid from at least 1575, was officially appointed royal clockmaker in 1580, and remained in the post until his death in 1598. The clock is signed inside the dial: “Hans de Evalo, F. In Madrid 1583.”
After leaving the royal collection, the clock resurfaced in 1907 and was eventually returned to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial during the reign of Alfonso XIII.