Watch 1785 - 1795

Editor: So, this is "Watch" from 1785-1795, created by W. Moore, currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The silver work seems so delicate! I wonder how something so small was even possible. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This seemingly simple object actually unlocks fascinating insights into late 18th-century society. Beyond its function, consider the materials: silver, meticulously crafted. Who had access to such luxury, and what labor powered its creation? The pursuit of Neoclassical design shaped the very appearance of time, a time defined by emerging industries and global trades. How does understanding its manufacture alter your perception? Editor: That makes me think about the social impact of mass production and industrialization... things we often take for granted. Was it rare for decorative items to be signed back then? Curator: Precisely. Signing the piece elevates the maker, W. Moore. It shifts our focus from anonymous craftsmanship toward individual artistry, yet reminds us that Moore would’ve probably worked within a larger system of skilled laborers, a material reality we easily overlook. Think about where the silver originated; consider the socioeconomic system that produced it and transported it to Moore’s workshop. Editor: So, the piece becomes less about simply telling time, and more about wealth, labor, and how it all connects. It highlights consumption and value in a different light. Curator: Exactly! This changes how we understand historical context. Instead of just admiring the finished product, we're analyzing the system. I encourage you to explore related decorative art objects of that period and ask: What were they made of and by whom? How did their production relate to economic structures? Editor: I definitely will. Now, when I look at this "Watch", it inspires curiosity to analyze every part and how they were connected during its manufacturing.