Watch 1835 - 1855

This watch, made by Frederick Courvoisier, is a perfect example of the intricate metalwork of its time. Fashioned from silver, the case is elaborately decorated with an ornamental floral pattern, meticulously engraved across its surface. The creation of such a piece involved a combination of skilled handcraft and early industrial techniques. Silver would have been carefully shaped and then etched with acid to create the relief design. This process required not only artistic skill, but also a deep understanding of the material properties of the metal itself. Consider the social context: In the 19th century, a watch was a luxury item, a status symbol. The level of detail on this one speaks to the wealth and taste of its original owner. But it also reflects the labor of the artisans who produced it, working in conditions very different from those who would have acquired the watch. Seeing this watch, we appreciate the beauty of its design, but also the complex relationship between craft, industry, and society that it represents.