Watch 1835 - 1845

The Firm of Blondel & Melly created this watch with an unknown date and medium, but you can examine it here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The watch case presents a dense, all-over pattern that marries functionality with elaborate decoration. The surface is alive with engraved floral motifs, creating a tactile interplay of light and shadow. The composition, though intricate, adheres to the watch's circular form, using the face as a canvas for symmetrical yet organic designs. The firm uses flowers and foliage as signs of the natural world and the passing of time. The eye is drawn not just to tell time but to appreciate the craftsmanship and the symbolism imbued in each curve and flourish. It reminds us that even everyday objects can function as sites of concentrated artistic expression and cultural meaning. This watch is not merely an instrument for measuring time but a testament to our relationship with it.