Watch 1600 - 1625

This watch was made by Suzanne de Court around the turn of the 17th century, and is fashioned from silver and enamel. This choice of material speaks to the luxury of the object, intended for the wealthy. Consider how the silversmith and enameler have collaborated to create this piece. The silver provides the structure, while the enamel brings color and imagery to life, with its textures and unique appearance. The watch’s case is decorated with mythological scenes, built up in layers with incredible detail. It is hard to imagine the intricacy of the brushstrokes required for this, all by hand. The production of such an object was a highly skilled endeavor, requiring years of training and expertise. The watch therefore reflects the artist's mastery, but also wider social issues of labor and value. It blurs the boundaries between art and craft, a testament to the skill and artistry that can be found in both realms.