Existing comment:
Aeolipile (Steamblower)
ca. 1590 - 1600
South German (Augsburg) or Bohemian (Prague)
This mysterious sculpture hides an ancient steam technology: an aeolipile. When filled partway with water through an opening in the sphinx's headpiece and heated to high temperatures, the vessel releases pressurized steam through a pin-size hole between the figure's lips. If blown over glowing coals, the steam can create a flammable gas composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and the sculpture appears to spit fire just like the mythological sphinx. Artistically crafted aeolipiles served as display pieces and were used to regulate the heat of hearth fires and furnaces, and to power machinery. |