Watch 1845 - 1855

This watch was made by Eugène Bornand sometime in the mid-19th century. The silver case is decorated with a detailed engraving of Venice, a popular destination for European travelers. The image on the watch is not simply a depiction of a place. It is a carefully constructed view of Venice that draws on established visual codes and cultural associations. We see the famous Piazza San Marco with the Campanile, the Doge's Palace, and gondolas plying the waters of the lagoon. The city is presented as a site of beauty, history, and romance. The production of such an object speaks to the rise of tourism and the commodification of culture. The watch served as a souvenir of a trip, a status symbol, and a reminder of the owner's cultivated taste. By studying travel guides, social commentaries, and institutional records, we can understand how this image of Venice was created and consumed in the 19th century. And we can reflect on how our own understanding of places is shaped by the images and narratives that circulate within our culture.