Shelf Clock 1800 - 1805

This shelf clock was crafted by David Wood of Newburyport. Standing at just over 32 inches, the clock's composition is immediately striking due to its geometric interplay. The clock face, a perfect circle, is encased in a square frame. A semi-circular arch crowns this section, softening the rigidity of the square, while the lower cabinet presents a rectangular form. The clock thus embodies the era’s fascination with the relationship between nature and reason. The clean lines and geometric shapes suggest an Enlightenment emphasis on order and rationality. However, the use of wood as a medium introduces an organic element. The grain and texture of the wood disrupt the clock's rigid geometry, symbolizing nature's inherent irregularity. Ultimately, the clock, with its interplay of geometric and organic forms, asks us to consider how we reconcile the natural world with our constructed systems of order. It's a question that remains relevant today, as we continue to negotiate our relationship with the environment.