Key to a lock

The key forms a set with the lock that is recorded under the inventory number Wil.648 (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 niches contain nude male figures representing mythological characters: Jupiter holding thunders, with an eagle visible at his feet, and two Cyclopes captured at the moment of lifting pickaxes. The key holder was made in the form of an aedicula – an ancient shrine surrounded on both sides with Doric columns topped with a round lantern with arcades. Between columns, on both sides, there are reliefs with scenes of Helios riding a horse-drawn chariot and Vulcan (Greek: Hephaestus) with Cupid forging arrows on an anvil. The aedicula is supported on two full-bodied figures of atlantes and the middle pillar with four fluted pilasters. Below there is a roll to which a small flap setting the lock mechanism in motion is fastened. The flap has many longitudinal cuts and openwork grooves.

The key and the lock were made using the casting and engraving technique.

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.