Tall Case Clock

Copied Wendy Stayman, Tall Case Clock, 1992, poplar, Baltic birch plywood, curly sycamore veneer, Macassar ebony veneer, ebonized cherry, slate, brass, azurite, malachite, hematite, enamel, sterling silver and glass, 84 x 24 x 12 in. (213.4 x 61.0 x 30.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of her brother David, 2008.34

Artwork Details

Title
Tall Case Clock
Artist
Date
1992
Location
Dimensions
84 x 24 x 12 in. (213.4 x 61.0 x 30.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist in memory of her brother David
Mediums Description
poplar, Baltic birch plywood, curly sycamore veneer, Macassar ebony veneer, ebonized cherry, slate, brass, azurite, malachite, hematite, enamel, sterling silver and glass
Classifications
Object Number
2008.34
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2008.34

Artwork Description

Wendy Stayman crafts a long view of time. This design, made with contrasting colors of curly sycamore and Macassar ebony veneers, recalls a djed, the ancient Egyptian symbol for stability. The pillar-like djed features prominently in Egyptian art, especially on carved sarcophagi, to symbolize the backbone of Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Stayman joined this ancient motif with the future-forward finesse of Art Deco style, characterized by the opulent materials and curved ornamental elements.


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