Klok met deksel voor uurwerk in Slot Neuburg 1876

Editor: This is a photograph of an elaborate clock with a cover, circa 1876, attributed to an anonymous artist and it's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by how ornate it is, almost overloaded with decoration. What do you see when you look at this clock? Curator: The eye is certainly drawn to the intricate carvings, isn't it? This isn't merely a timepiece; it's a statement. Clocks like these spoke of wealth and power, but also something deeper. Time was becoming increasingly important to society then; an attempt to control, to contain it perhaps, visually represented by such detailed encasements. Editor: Control time... like trapping it in a cage of decoration? The little figures look classical, mythological, even? Curator: Exactly. Consider the figure at the apex, that warrior. Think of what it meant to people back then; perhaps aspirations of bravery, godlike strength in this piece or a historical or cultural memory resurfaced. Do you see any other recurring symbols or motifs that stand out? Editor: I notice the circular panels with figures, maybe scenes from mythology? And the little cherubs... It feels like there's a story being told, or many stories interwoven. Curator: Precisely! Each of those miniature scenes would have resonated with contemporary viewers, acting as cultural shorthand. By layering visual cues such as figures or stories or motifs into a common piece of equipment that they would see and engage with everyday they would be reminded of what they deemed important at the time.. Editor: So it’s not just telling time, it’s telling stories. Very subtly! Curator: Precisely! This has expanded our comprehension about cultural association and imagery that are woven within these works Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way before! It makes you wonder what stories objects around us will be telling in the future.