Timepiece
1802–5
Medium
Gilt mahogany and white pine, painted glass, gesso, iron, steel, and brass
Dimensions
H.: 109.2 cm (43 in.)
Classification
furniture accessory
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
144345
Art Historical Context
Created between 1802 and 1805 by Elnathan Taber, *Timepiece* represents an elegant example of early American craftsmanship. At 43 inches tall, this functional yet decorative object blends utility with artistry, serving as both a reliable timekeeper and a refined household accent during a period when accurate clocks were becoming increasingly valued in daily life. The piece is crafted from gilt mahogany and white pine, enhanced with painted glass, gesso, iron, steel, and brass. These materials allow for a luminous surface treatment and precise mechanical components, demonstrating the careful i...