Shelf Clock 1817 - 1820

This shelf clock was made by Seth Thomas, likely in Connecticut, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It is made of wood, glass, and metal. At this time, the industrial revolution was well underway in the United States, bringing new technologies and forms of labor that transformed social relations. The clock itself, as an instrument of standardization, represents this shift towards industrial capitalism and the regulation of the working day. The design is neoclassical with simple clean lines in dark wood and columns to the side of the clock face. The picture on the clock’s lower half may be of Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation, or a similar estate. The scene represents an idealization of landed gentry, evoking a sense of history and tradition. As historians, we look to these details and cultural references to help us understand the social context that shaped the design and reception of these objects, which can be researched through newspapers, diaries and inventories from the period.