Watch 1800 - 1830

This watch was crafted by the Firm of Esquivillon Frères, likely between 1795 and 1805, and is made of gold, enamel, and jewels. During the late 18th century, timepieces like this were more than just functional objects. They were potent symbols of wealth and status. The watch's intricate floral design, set with jewels, reflects the period's taste for opulence and naturalistic motifs. Consider what it meant to possess such an object during a time of great social inequality. Who had access to time? How was their time valued versus others? It's likely this watch was commissioned by an elite member of society, a world apart from the upheaval of revolution, and the stark realities of everyday life for most people. It is easy to get lost in the beauty of the object. But, it serves as a poignant reminder of how aesthetics can both reflect and obscure the complexities of social and economic power.