Clock

Dubuc

1815–20 · Gilt bronze · The American Wing

After the War of 1812 imported French clocks in gilt-bronze cases depicting allegorical subjects were marketed extensively in America, especially in New York. The standing figure of Washington is based on John Trumbull's painting "George Washington before the Battle of Trenton" (22.45.9), which was well known in Europe through engravings. The clock is replete with patriotic symbolism, including the seal of the United States and the eulogy under the dial taken from Major General Henry Lee's Funeral Oration on the Death of General Washington (1800).

Artist

Dubuc

Date

1815–20

Medium

Gilt bronze

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Bequest of Jane E. Andrews, in memory of her husband, William Loring Andrews, 1930