Clock

This clock is both a functional timepiece and an elaborate sculpture. As the popularity of gilded luxury goods peaked in the early 1800s, technological advances allowed for industrial production of mechanisms such as clock movements. Ancient Greek and Roman motifs, such as the klismos chair and pair of urns, indicate the period's interest in classical style. Held aloft by two birds, the oil lamp is reminiscent of those that were being excavated in Pompeii. Together, these elements form an easel with avian back legs. The female artist in ancient dress is at work on a painting of a girl with a tambourine, a mythological bacchante.