Connect with the Metropolitan Art Collection by wearing or giving a
timepiece elevated to fine art with themes and motifs adapted from
Museum treasures. Brass cases with 18K gold overlay (unless
otherwise noted), printed plastic bands, and precision quartz
movement. Round cases 1-1/4" diam.; rectangular cases 1-1/4"L x
13/16"W.
Painter
Gustav Limt (Austrian, 1862-1918) was a prolific designer in many media
and a frequent contributor to the Wiener Wekrstatte artists'
cooperative. A geometric textile from the Museum's collection was
adapted for this watch. Silver overlay.
Both
in his paintings and his product designs, Gustav Klimt was known for
rich fantasy and complexity. The textile adapted for this watch,
design in Vienna ca. 1920, illustrates his lavish vision.
This
geometric design is based on an artist's facsimile of a ceiling
painting from the Tomb of Nebamun in western Thebes (ca. 1390-1349
B.C.), discovered the Museums' 1906-1935 Egyptian exhibition.
Adapted
from a reconstructed faience tile and gilded plaster panel found in the
Theban palace built by Amenhotep III (Dynasty 18, ca. 1390-1352 B.C.)
and in the Museum's Department of Egyptian Art.
Based
on a ceremonial tachi (slung sword) from 19th-century Japan in the
Museum's Department of Arms and Armore, with a dazzling enameled grip
displaying the shogun family arms amid flowers.
Established
in 1710, the Meissen factory in Germany was Europe's first manufactory
of hard-paste porcelain. This design is based on a large Meissen
vase (ca. 1725-30) in the Museum's collection.
A
terracotta situla, or wine bucket, attributed to the Lycurgus Painter
(ca. 360-340 B.C.) depicts Dionysos, the god of wine, surrounded by
decorative motifs, including the classical palmette, adapted for this
watch.
A
colorful and graceful design, adapted from Louis Comfort Tiffany's
(American, 1848-1933) Grapevine Favrile glass window panels (ca.
1902-15) in the Museum's American Wing.
