silver, metal, intaglio, photography, sculpture
silver
baroque
metal
intaglio
sculpture
photography
sculpture
black and white
miniature
Dimensions 2 × 1 1/2 × 7/8 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 2.2 cm)
This is J. Tramieri's watch, likely made between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It's a small, ornate object, reflecting a time when personal timekeeping devices were becoming status symbols. Consider the period, the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras, a time of immense social change. As Europe moved away from feudal structures and towards early capitalism, new forms of identity and social hierarchy emerged. The watch, more than a mere tool, became an emblem of social standing. Its intricate design, with engraved floral patterns and cherubic figures, speaks to the values of the elite. Imagine owning something so small yet so complex, a testament to human ingenuity and artistic skill. But also consider who had access to such luxuries, and what that meant for the broader social fabric. This watch isn't just about telling time; it's about marking one's place in a rapidly changing world.