Façade-shaped lock

This very interesting item of old craft forms a pair with the key that is recorded under the inventory number Wil.649 (cf. note of the object). The lock has an architectural form modelled on a façade surrounded by columns with a portico with a triangular tympanum. The central part has a rectangular niche, and two side niches are closed with arches; all three niches contain nude male figures representing mythological characters; in the middle we can see Jupiter, whose attribute is an eagle visible at his feet. Jupiter – the Roman Zeus, the highest ruler of sky and earth and the father of Gods – is shown as the Thunderer. His left hand holds thunders – the second main attribute associated with him. Figures in side niches show Cyclopes captured at the moment of lifting their pickaxes, shortly before striking jars lying at their feet. Because of the craftsmanship and value of the material, objects similar to the lock shown here were used for protecting vaults and boxes of valuables belonging to a narrow group of the wealthiest. The presence of Jupiter and harsh and strong Cyclopes emphasised the level of security guaranteed by the elaborate decorative locking mechanism. The key accompanying the lock also has a form and content connected with the presented Temple of Jupiter – it depicts Cupid and Hephaestus forging arrows for the God of love. Thunders kept by Jupiter were also made in Hephaestus’s smithy.

The key and the lock are kept in the Wilanów collection thanks to their purchase by Stanisław Kostka Potocki and his wife Aleksandra – the founders of the Museum made available to the audience in the local palace in 1805. At the time of its purchase (Paris, 1808), the set consisting of the key and the lock was regarded as a work of Italian goldsmith Benvenut Cellini (1500–1571) representing mannerism – the late style between the Renaissance and the Baroque. He is the author of the most famous work of jewellery art – a golden salt shaker made for the King of France Francis I. However, the Wilanów set – the lock with the key –was made not by him, but probably by Jean Goujon (ca. 1510 – ca. 1565), who made similar luxury items for the royal court in France.