Watch with the Liberation of Andromeda 1765 - 1766

Here we see a watch with the Liberation of Andromeda, crafted by Michiel de Haan. Let’s consider for a moment, this idea of freedom, and the symbolism of Andromeda's liberation. In Greek mythology, Andromeda was a princess chained to a rock as a sacrifice, before being rescued by Perseus. Consider then the implications of portraying such an icon of female liberation on an object so often associated with the regulation and control of time. Is this a subversion? Does it hint at a desire to break free from the constraints of time, or perhaps from societal expectations of women? It's a curious tension, this dance between liberation and restriction. The watch becomes a symbolic object, embodying the complexities of its time. A memento mori perhaps, reminding us of our mortality, but also, a reminder of the enduring human spirit that seeks freedom, even in the face of time's relentless march.