Nécessaire (one of a pair) 1755 - 1765

This small necessaire, one of a pair made by John Barbot in the mid-18th century, immediately strikes us with its opulence. Gold, gemstones, and a delicate clock face combine to create an object that is as much sculpture as it is functional. Notice how the structure relies on balance. The intricate gold filigree frames glass panels, offering glimpses of the case's interior. The gemstones are arranged in symmetrical floral patterns, while the clock sits as a kind of keystone atop the structure. This symmetry speaks to a desire for order and control, reflecting the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. However, the decorative excess and flamboyant curves of the gold work disrupt any sense of classical restraint. The necessaire lives in this dichotomy, a tension between rational design and baroque ornamentation. It is an object of time, yet seemingly outside of time. An intersection of utility and exuberance that embodies the complexities of its era.