Tall Case Clock (giant) c. 20th century

Curator: Initially, I'm struck by the sheer monumentality and its imposing form. Editor: Agreed! This "Tall Case Clock (giant)" is an anonymous work, but its presence speaks volumes about power and control. Curator: Precisely. Consider the clock’s symmetrical architecture—the columns, the pediment—classical allusions that signify order and reason. Editor: But who benefits from that order? The wealthy landowners, certainly, who could afford such a status symbol. Time becomes a commodity. Curator: We can also appreciate the craftsmanship, though. The intricate carvings flanking the central panel demonstrate the maker's skillful hand. Editor: It's a beautiful object, yes, but let’s not forget the unpaid labor that may have contributed to its creation, the exploitation of human beings involved in the trade of materials. Curator: It prompts a deeper consideration of the layers of meaning in the design and execution. Editor: Indeed. This clock reminds us to reflect on whose time is valued and whose is not, even today.