Tall case clock
Artist
Aaron Willard
American, 1757–1844
Date1790–1810
Mediummahogany
Dimensions8 ft, 7 1/2 in. (96 in., 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of The Paul Revere Insurance Company, a subsidiary of UnumProvident Corporation
Object number1999.513
DescriptionThis Federal tall case clock boasts intricate curved fretwork on the hood, crowned with three gold-plated brass Spike finials. These are perched on square, fluted plinths on the topmost front corners and between the fretwork. The molding is beveled on the hood's front and side edges, broken only over the clock face. The dial door has a rounded arch to accomodate the clock face's lunar phase lunette that, when turned, also shows a seascape and a small house. Two painted hemispheres sit atop the clock face, and the spandrels are painted golden triangles and flourishes with a red border. [Aaron Willard/BOSTON] is painted beneath the winding hole and arbor. There are two rectangular lights on either side of the hood, and beveled molding connects the base and trunk. On each front corner of the trunk, there are two quarter-round fluted Doric columns with gold-plated brass capitals and bases. The trunk door has a flat top profile, is attached with butt hinges, and has crossbanded veneer on its surface. The original label on the interior surface of the door was engraved by Paul Revere. Beveled molding connects the trunk and base, and the veneer on the front surface of the base is also crossbanded. The clock is supported by four French feet with a serpentine apron. The rear surface is not accessible.Label TextOriginally from Grafton, Massachusetts, the Willard family dominated clockmaking in the Boston area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Aaron was one of four Willard brothers in the business. He ran a prosperous shop in Roxbury, introducing streamlined production methods for constructing clocks in batches.This example features the fine craftsmanship and fancy decoration, such as the hand-painted dial with lanscape scenes, for which he was renowned. On the inside, there is a label with operating intructions printed by Boston silversmith and engraver Paul Revere (1735-1818)—highlighting how clockmaking involved a network of artisans, including cabinetmakers, metalsmiths, and horologists.ProvenanceDescended in the family of Solomon Wildes.
Paul Revere Insurance Company, Worcester, MA.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 3001
