Watch 1655 - 1685

This watch was made by Duhamel sometime between 1600 and 1700, with enamel on metal. The watch’s beauty lies in its meticulous painted surface. Enamelwork involves fusing powdered glass to a metal base through high heat. The result is a vibrant, durable surface. Look closely, and you can see the detail in the portrait and surrounding floral designs. Enamelwork like this required skilled artisans, and the use of specialized kilns. The decoration isn't just pretty, it speaks to the vast labor that went into luxury objects like this. The watch exemplifies the intersection of art, craft, and early capitalism. It was a functional object, but also a status symbol, reflecting both the technological advancements and the social hierarchies of its time. By considering the materials and processes involved, we recognize the watch as more than just a timepiece; it's a testament to human ingenuity and a window into the social context of its creation.