Seth Thomas Clock 1935 - 1942

Editor: This is "Seth Thomas Clock," created between 1935 and 1942 by Arthur Mathews. It seems to be rendered in watercolor, perhaps with touches of oil pastel. It has a simple, realist feel to it. What captures your attention most about this piece? Curator: The charm, really. It’s a portrait of a clock, but not just *any* clock, is it? Mathews seems to be capturing the spirit of domestic life – the comfort of routine, the familiar ticking marking the passage of time… I wonder, did this clock sit in *his* home? I almost feel as though he’s reminding us to savor those fleeting moments. Does the rendering of the object also remind you of art deco posters of the day? Editor: Definitely, I see that! It's the stylized flowers on the clock face that trigger that sense for me. The choice of the subject itself seems unexpected, though. Curator: Unexpected, but utterly charming! Everyday objects, especially those entwined with our personal histories, possess a unique power. It's almost like the clock is saying, “Remember me? Remember those mornings, those late nights?” Art’s power lies in its ability to find beauty and significance in the seemingly mundane. Editor: I guess focusing on an object that literally measures time is a great way to highlight how fleeting life can be. I really love this idea! Thank you. Curator: And thank you for your fresh eyes! It's rewarding to consider the dance between art and life, between the grand gesture and the quiet, simple thing, in pieces such as these.