Gilt Wall Clock with Eagle 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have an interesting artifact, a Gilt Wall Clock with Eagle, maker unknown, held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s incredibly ornate, isn't it? Almost imposing. Curator: Indeed. The composition is quite formal, with the clock face as the central element. The gilded surfaces create a sense of opulence, of course. Editor: I'm curious about the labor that went into gilding; was this mass-produced, or a more bespoke creation? The craftsmanship behind it is compelling. Curator: That’s certainly a worthwhile avenue to consider. Regardless of its origins, the clock's design adheres to classical principles, emphasizing symmetry and hierarchy. Editor: It’s also interesting how this decorative object ends up next to a modern "exit" sign. It speaks to changing ideas about time and function. Curator: Yes, quite. We can observe it as a fascinating intersection of time, materiality, and cultural context. Editor: It just goes to show how objects accumulate meaning over time, shifting from mere decoration to artifacts loaded with social implications.