Willard-Style Banjo Wall Clock c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have an interesting piece, a Willard-Style Banjo Wall Clock of unknown date by an unidentified maker. It’s quite tall and ornate. How would you interpret its significance? Curator: Well, the “banjo” clock was a distinctly American innovation. Looking at it through a socio-political lens, it speaks volumes about early American ingenuity and burgeoning national identity. Editor: In what way? Curator: The clock’s very design, streamlined and elegant, reflects a departure from European models. Its presence in a home would have signaled an embrace of American craftsmanship. Think about the eagle perched at the top – a clear assertion of national pride. Editor: That makes me consider its value to the owner. Curator: Precisely. These clocks weren't merely time-telling devices; they were statements about cultural allegiance and economic status. Editor: I never thought of a clock as a political symbol! Curator: Art often exists within a matrix of cultural forces, shaping and reflecting the values of its time.