Tall Clock c. 1936

Editor: This is Lawrence Phillips’ “Tall Clock” from around 1936, rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and oil paint. I find the level of detail quite charming, almost hyperreal. What sort of symbolism do you read into this piece? Curator: A clock, especially a grandfather clock, speaks volumes about time, doesn’t it? But beyond the obvious reminder of mortality and the relentless march forward, consider the clock’s presence in a home. It becomes a monument, a witness to generations, embodying cultural memory. Editor: I see, so the object itself carries symbolic weight? Curator: Precisely. Notice the starburst on the base. Stars, throughout history, often symbolize guidance, hope, even destiny. Here, it could suggest the clock isn’t just measuring time, but perhaps also marking a path or a family's history. Editor: Interesting. And the ornate carvings around the clock face? Curator: Those details whisper of status and craftsmanship, speaking to the values of the time – precision, artistry, perhaps even a longing for permanence in an era of rapid change. What feelings do the Roman numerals evoke in you? Editor: A sense of classicism, maybe formality. Almost as though time itself is being presented as something grand and important. So the clock's aesthetic amplifies its symbolic weight. Curator: Exactly! It's a reminder that objects are rarely just functional. They’re laden with cultural and emotional resonance, reflecting and shaping our perceptions. Editor: This has made me think about how even seemingly mundane objects can be powerful cultural artifacts. I’ll definitely pay closer attention to details from now on! Curator: Wonderful! It’s all about seeing beyond the surface.