Watch 1575 - 1585

This small watch, crafted by Diet Maye around 1580, presents us with more than just the hours; it offers a profound meditation on time and mortality. On one side, we see the precise measurements of a clock, each number marking the relentless passage of time. Yet, opening it reveals a different story: the crucifixion. Here, Christ hangs on the cross, a ladder—a symbol of ascent but also of human endeavor—leaning nearby. The letters INRI above Christ condense volumes: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum. The image of the crucifixion is a potent symbol, recurring through centuries, from early Roman catacombs to Renaissance masterpieces. Consider how the early Christians adopted the cross, once an emblem of brutal execution, into a symbol of hope and redemption. Its emotional weight is undeniable, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This small watch compels us to reflect on our fleeting existence and the eternal narrative of sacrifice and rebirth. The imagery has shifted and changed over time, shaped by cultural memory, and is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to transcend time, speaking to us across centuries.