Tall Case Clock also known as "The Curtis Clock" c. 1750 - 1760

Editor: Here we have a tall case clock, also known as "The Curtis Clock." The maker is unidentified, and it is currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's imposing! What sociopolitical forces were at play that allowed for such an object to be conceived? Curator: Well, clocks like this represent more than just timekeeping. Consider the historical context: Who had access to such craftsmanship? Who benefited from the regulated time this clock enforced? Editor: So it's less about the aesthetic and more about the power structures it represents? Curator: Exactly. Think about the labor involved, the resources used. These objects often signify wealth and control, both then and now, demanding we confront inequities. Editor: That makes me see it differently. It's no longer just a clock. Curator: Indeed, it’s a symbol loaded with historical weight.