Master Art

Oak wood and veneer, rich carving, engraved silver-plated metal face, brass works, signed: "LFS", 8-day movement, strikes on the half hour, gong strike, two chain pulleys with weights. Graham anchor with adjustable pallets, spring loaded pendulum suspension.

This late 19th-century piece is a special example of a prestigious hall clock of highly artistic design full of fantasy and symbolism. The hexagram on the middle door was supposed to give symbolic protection and, with its two equilateral triangles, it represents the Holy Trinity. The clock face is surrounded by the 12 astrological signs. Between 3 and 9 o’clock there are depictions of the cardinal virtues of faith, love, and hope on gold ground along with "Tempus fugit". Beneath the face there is an allegorical depiction of the four seasons.