Mantle Clock c. 1938

Curator: Here we have Richard Taylor’s "Mantle Clock," dating to around 1938, rendered in watercolor. What strikes you immediately about this piece? Editor: The stillness. Even though it depicts an object intimately associated with the passage of time, there’s a profound sense of quiet and expectation about it. Curator: Interesting. Let's delve into the composition. Notice the meticulous detail in the rendering of the wood grain, the precise rendering of the clock face. The artist gives us not only a representation but an experience of the texture. Editor: Indeed. This work appears against a socio-historical backdrop where labor was valued but also easily commodified. So, what does it mean for the artist to isolate this single "clock," to capture its essence while broader economic "times" saw its worth quantified? This may be a reflection of anxieties about industrial changes happening during the Great Depression in the U.S. Curator: That's compelling. Structurally, observe how the geometry plays. The clear lines and right angles create a sense of stability, yet the gentle curves at the clock's apex soften the overall effect. What are your impressions of these compositional choices? Editor: I see these stylistic choices as indicative of interwar anxieties. How "on the clock" many people suddenly felt, but perhaps how removed from previous iterations of craftsmanship that same public felt too, is visible here. It’s like this single object is weighted with expectations. Curator: It invites layered interpretations. We have explored both formal elements of line, texture, color as well as delved into historical interpretation of time during industrial boom in America. Thank you. Editor: Yes, art gives us an entry point to those explorations of life at various crossroads. This drawing reminds us to be critical when interpreting artwork. Thank you.