Watch 1655 - 1665

This is a silver watch made around 1680 by Judith Lelement, a Dutch woman working as a clockmaker in an era when such professions were male dominated. The watch's octagonal case is elaborately engraved with biblical scenes and floral motifs, reflecting the artistic and religious sensibilities of the time. Clocks and watches were luxury items, and owning one showed high status. They were often worn as pendants, publicly displaying the owner's wealth and sophistication. Lelement's work offers a glimpse into the world of female artisans in the 17th century. While societal norms often confined women to domestic roles, some, like Lelement, found ways to challenge these constraints and carve out their own professional identities. Lelement's watch stands as a tangible manifestation of a woman's ambition and skill in a time when these qualities were not always readily acknowledged or celebrated. It prompts us to consider the individual stories of those who defied expectations and left their mark on history.