The Met had a show called Making Marvels. It documents court objects and automata made from the 1500s to the 1700s. In this time showing ability to lead meant showing wealth in precious metals and stones, but also showing an understanding of scientific phenomena.

In Italy turning ivory was considered a perfect princely activity combining precision with aesthetics.

This show is epic and rich and special (and hard to show in images.) AND it ends with the actual Mechanical Turk! The show is up until 1 March 2020.