| Artist |
Seneca Lukens |
| Date |
1828 |
| Description |
This mahogany veneered clock was made by the father of Isaiah Lukens, Seneca Lukens in 1828 for his daughter Tabitha. The clock features a number of elements that show Seneca's mastery of craft, the scroll top bonnet, an arched hood door, and detached twist columns capitals contribute to its elegant appearance. Directly above the dial face is a hand painted lunette that features a revolving rosy faced character of a full moon shining over both land and sea. The exquisite hand painted dial features roses and rosebuds in the lower spandrels and a moon faced lunette flanked by two global hemispheres. Brass dials went out of fashion in favor of painted ones by the end of the 18th century when the use of Arabic numerals became widespread. Painted clock dials, were usually bought from dealers and weren't made by the clockmakers themselves, it is most likely that a local painter from Philadelphia provided Seneca Lukens with the painted face. This clock still functions today and can be found in the main entrance lobby at the Athenum.
|
| Dimensions |
H: 7' 10'' |
| Material |
Wood/Glass/Metal/Paint |
| Object ID |
1990.03.01 |
| Object Name |
Clock, Tall Case |
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