Clock 1935 - 1942

This “Clock,” of unknown date, was designed by Ralph Morton, an artist who lived a long life spanning from 1855 to 1995. Morton’s detailed rendering of a clock brings us to the intersection of utility and aesthetics. In a time when industrialization was rapidly changing daily life, even functional objects like clocks became canvases for artistic expression and cultural identity. Consider how the clock's design—its ornate details and specific materials—might reflect ideas of status during the time in which Morton lived. What did the ability to own such a timepiece mean for families? These objects could be a way to claim one’s place in a rapidly changing social hierarchy. Morton invites us to contemplate how objects around us are not just tools, but also storytellers reflecting social norms, and class aspirations. What stories do these objects tell about our past, and what do they mean for our present?