1920s Strasbourg Cathedral Astronomical Clock France Vintage Postcard
About This Vintage Postcard
Marvel at the mechanical complexity of the world-famous Strasbourg Cathedral Astronomical Clock with this detailed sepia-toned view. Located in the south transept of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Alsace, this Renaissance masterpiece is the third clock to stand on this site, completed between 1838 and 1843 by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué. The scene captures the soaring height of the 18-meter-high mechanism, including its perpetual calendar, planetary orrery, and the intricate automated figures that strike each quarter-hour.
As a symbol of the perfect marriage between scientific precision and artistic craftsmanship, the clock remains one of the most visited sights in France. This atmospheric composition highlights the dark, velvety shadows and fine architectural details possible through the premium printing processes of the interwar period.
Details
Era: European Photogravure (c. 1920s)
City: Strasbourg
State or Region: Bas-Rhin, Alsace
Country: France
Topic: Strasbourg Astronomical Clock, Strasbourg Cathedral, Renaissance Engineering, French Horology, Gothic Architecture
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None
Address Side: Divided back
Orientation: Vertical (Portrait)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Photogravure
Additional Information
The Strasbourg clock is a marvel of horological history; it calculates ecclesiastical dates and shows the positions of the sun and moon relative to the stars. One of its most famous features is the "Parade of the Apostles" which occurs daily at solar noon. The sepia tones and absence of a visible dot pattern confirm a high-quality photogravure, a process favored by European publishers for capturing the complex shadows of cathedral interiors. The minimalist back design and absence of a publisher mark are typical of regional views produced for the booming Alsatian tourist trade during the interwar years.
This postcard would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.
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