Carriage Clock 1887 - 1890

Editor: Here we have the "Carriage Clock," crafted between 1887 and 1890 by the Boston Clock Company. It's a beautiful metal sculpture housed right here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It gives off such a stately and antique feel, doesn't it? What particularly grabs you when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, it does whisper stories of a bygone era, doesn’t it? It reminds me of a well-to-do traveler carefully placing it in their luggage, anticipating punctual arrivals in grand, echoing train stations. But look closer – beyond its practical function, do you notice how the decorative elements speak to the industrial age trying its hand at artistry? The clock isn't *just* telling time, it’s attempting to impress. Do you feel that tension? Editor: Absolutely! It's like the clock is trying to be functional *and* fancy, but almost feels like it can’t quite pull it off completely. So, is that tension intentional or perhaps a reflection of the time period? Curator: Ah, now you’re thinking! Perhaps both? The late 19th century was all about industry striving to elevate itself – form meeting function, but with aspirations of beauty. The striving is the key, isn’t it? Even in its subtle awkwardness, there's a kind of charm. Editor: I see what you mean! It’s no longer just about telling time, but about making a statement about taste and wealth. I really appreciate you pointing out that tension, I’ll never look at an old clock the same way again! Curator: Isn’t that the magic of art? It lingers, re-framing our perspectives. And that awkward charm...well, perhaps it’s what makes us human.