Design for a Clock in the Form of a Lyre 1770 - 1790

This drawing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a design for a clock in the form of a lyre, rendered with ink and watercolor. The symmetric composition immediately establishes a classic sense of balance. The lyre's shape is meticulously ornamented with floral garlands and beadwork, reflecting a keen attention to decorative detail. At the top, a radiant sun face casts a warm glow, contrasting with the cooler, more precise clock face below. Notice how the artist uses the lyre, traditionally a symbol of harmony and order, as a framework for the clock. It merges artistic expression with the scientific precision of timekeeping. This piece challenges fixed meanings by transforming an object of musical inspiration into a functional device, questioning our expectations of art and utility. The drawing creates meaning through its careful juxtaposition of art forms and their associated values. The work functions not just aesthetically but also as part of a broader cultural discourse around art, science, and their intertwined roles in shaping our understanding of the world.