(J.A.G.) When a painting is restored, sometimes strange, inexplicable and even funny things appear. This is what happened when cleaning the painting of Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro, which will soon be in perfect condition for exhibition.
It is the clock that is seen on a table next to the Cardinal. When I cleaned it and expanded it, the surprise was great, the dial of that watch does not have any logic. Perhaps the painter’s ignorance of Roman numerals. Perhaps the painter had never seen a watch in his life, since in the 16th century, a watch was a very, very luxury item. Perhaps that is why the cardinal has his portrait taken next to a clock.
On this watch, the dial is not properly oriented, there are missing hours and the eight hours are listed twice, once as VIII and once as IIX.
Enjoy the clock anecdote.
