-Birth Bank with Clock- still bank c. 1840

This still bank, shaped like a house, materializes the concept of financial security, interweaving architecture with time and wealth. Crowning the structure, a clock symbolizes not just punctuality but the relentless march of time—a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and the urgency of saving. The house motif itself, replete with windows and a welcoming door, evokes notions of domesticity, safety, and prosperity. One can trace this symbol back to ancient Roman depictions of domestic shrines. Note the inclusion of what seem to be birds, associated with freedom and, in a religious context, the soul. We observe a fascinating metamorphosis: a symbol for spiritual liberation now adorns an object dedicated to material accumulation. This confluence is no mere coincidence. It reveals how deeply ingrained symbols can be reshaped by the shifting sands of cultural consciousness. It reflects our enduring need to reconcile our transient existence with our pursuit of lasting legacies, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbols within this small bank serve as reminders that even in our modern pursuits, we are forever tethered to the echoes of the past.