Genoa, Palazzo Spinola presents its latest acquisition: the precious Spinola Clock

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8, at 4 p.m., Palazzo Spinola in Genoa will host a meeting entitled The Spinola Clock: A Furniture of Relief in the Baroque Age of Genoa, curated by Professor Daniele Sanguineti of the University of Genoa. The event will feature the public presentation of a unique and extraordinary piece: theSpinola Clock, recently acquired by the National Gallery of Liguria through a major initiative of the Ministry of Culture. This lecture inaugurates the series of meetings “The New Additions to the Collection of the National Gallery of Liguria,” scheduled at Palazzo Spinola, dedicated to the increase of the Gallery’s holdings thanks to the interventions of the Ministry of Culture and generous private donations.

During the month of May, four new works, dated between the late 17th century and the mid-20th century, will be presented to the public, contributing significantly to enrich the already prestigious state collection. These new additions represent valuable evidence related to the artistic culture and territory of Liguria, consolidating the museum’s commitment to promoting art and culture not only regionally but also nationally. Tomorrow’s meeting will focus on the Spinola clock, a rare example of the sumptuous furnishings that graced Genoese residences during the Baroque era. The work, made of painted and gilded wood, depicts the Triumph of Truth over Father Time.

Time is represented in the lower part of the work, equipped with wings, hourglass and sickle, while Truth, with butterfly-like wings, is carved in the upper part. Small zephyrs, waving precious cords, release from the scenic drape the clock face, surrounded by zodiac symbols. Although historical sources attribute the work to Anton Maria Maragliano (Genoa, 1664-1739), its execution is attributed instead to Filippo (Genoa, 1630-1702) and Domenico Parodi (Genoa, 1672-1742). The sculptural complex was probably commissioned by Giovanni Filippo Spinola di Lerma for the family residence on Via degli Orefici.

In 1859, the clock was moved to the Palazzo Spinola all’Acquasola on Via Roma (now the seat of the Prefecture) and then to Lerma Castle in Lower Piedmont a few decades later. During this period, two of the three gilded putti that were part of the ensemble were taken away. Therefore, in the recent restoration conducted by Nino Silvestri, they were reconstructed based on historical photographs of the artifact.

Admission to the meetings organized as part of the cycle The New Acquisitions for the National Gallery of Liguria is free. Places are limited, reservations strongly recommended at: palazzospinola@cultura.gov.it

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Genoa, Palazzo Spinola presents its latest acquisition: the precious Spinola Clock

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