Watch
Unknown Artist
1819–38
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification
Horology
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Anonymous Gift, in memory of Lady May Fletcher-Moulton, 1926
Accession Number
26.267.61
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold watch, crafted in France between 1819 and 1838, exemplifies the refined horology of the early 19th century. just 1 3/4 inches in diameter, this petite timepiece was likely a luxurious pocket watch, designed for both functionality and adornment. Its surface features delicate motifs of flowers and leaves, through skilled goldsmithing techniques such as chasing or engraving, which highlight the era's mastery of intricate metalwork. Produced during France's Restoration and July Monarchy periods, the watch reflects the opulence of European decorative arts amid post-Napoleonic r...