Clock c. 1775

This clock, by an artist named Merra, is made entirely of gilt bronze, through the process of ‘cire perdue,’ or lost wax casting. Molten bronze was poured into a wax mold, then heated until the wax melted away, leaving behind a detailed casting. The clock is not simply functional, it’s also an elaborate display of artistry, and technological process. Note the way the golden bronze has been treated, polished to catch the light. The fishermen, the waves, the ship; each element contributes to the overall aesthetic of opulence. The clock stands as a testament to the skilled labor involved in its production, and embodies the artistic and technological achievements of its time. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding its full meaning.