Tall Clock
1800–1810
Medium
Maple, holly, ebony, white pine, tulip poplar
Dimensions
H. 99 1/2 in. (252.7 cm)
Classification
Tall clock
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1921
Accession Number
21.67
Art Historical Context
Standing tall at over eight feet, this elegant tall clock crafted by Nathan Storrs between 1800 and 1810 exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of early American furniture making. Created during the young nation’s Federal period, such timepieces served not only as practical instruments but also as symbols of prosperity and intellectual achievement in prosperous households. Storrs, working in the American tradition, combined functionality with decorative appeal, producing a case that reflects the period’s emphasis on symmetry and classical proportions. The clock’s construction highlights the th...