Design for a Clock 1781 - 1785

This design for a clock was made anonymously, using ink and watercolor on paper. It presents a fascinating intersection of fine art and craft. The clock is envisioned as a neoclassical sculpture, complete with a draped female figure, fluted column, and cherubic figures. Note the meticulous detail in rendering the proposed materials: likely gilt bronze for the figures and decorative elements, and perhaps a colored marble or porcelain for the architectural components. The intention is clearly to create an object of luxury, showcasing both artistic skill and the value of rare materials. The clock would require the collaboration of sculptors, metalworkers, and clockmakers, each contributing specialized skills. Consider the labor involved in extracting and processing the raw materials, as well as the artistry required to shape them into such an elaborate form. Ultimately, this design reveals the close relationship between art, industry, and consumption in the 18th century, blurring the lines between functional object and status symbol.