Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical DialsGary Wragg · 1554

Baroque
1554
Renaissance
31.0 x 18.0 cm
The Frick Collection

Gary Wragg (1946 –)

Discover the abstract art of no alternate name found (b. 1946), a British painter known for his Color Field style & significant contributions to post-war abstraction. Influenced by Wu Kwong Yu, his work is held in major collections worldwide.

The Frick Collection (New York City, United States of America)

Discover art & architecture at The Frick Collection – a Gilded Age mansion showcasing masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt & more. Explore European art in NYC's stunning setting.

The clock completed at the conclusion of an apprentice clockmaker’s long training was called a “masterpiece.” It was only after the guild’s acceptance of this expensive and challenging work that a craftsman could be qualified as a master and thus establish his own shop and sign his work. This clock, the earliest known signed and dated masterpiece, includes several astronomical and calendrical dials to provide time according to various systems. It is surmounted by a figure, possibly Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, technical skill, and invention, identified with the Greek goddess Athena. In her right hand, she holds a church bell, and at her side stands a rooster. Before mechanical clocks were invented, the bell’s toll and the rooster’s morning crow traditionally kept time.Source: Vignon, Charlotte. The Frick Collection Decorative Arts Handbook. New York: The Frick Collection/Scala, 2015.

About this artwork

Title: Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials
Artist: Gary Wragg
Year: 1554
Original dimensions: 31.0 x 18.0 cm
Format: Portrait
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: The Frick Collection
Period: Renaissance
Corpus context: classical mythology influence, renaissance craftsmanship tradition
Main color: Phthalo Green

Questions & Answers

What is the luminance of "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg?

The luminance recorded for "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg is soft shadow.

Who created "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" and in what year?

Gary Wragg made "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" in 1554.

Is "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg a bright or a dark artwork?

In terms of perceived brightness, "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg is balanced.

When was "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" made?

"Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg was created in 1554.

How do contrast and harmony combine in "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials"?

The color composition of "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg combines a statement contrast with a unified palette harmony.

What is the art-historical place of "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg?

"Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" by Gary Wragg belongs to the Baroque movement, within the Renaissance period. Together they give the work its place in art history.

Which artist is "Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" attributed to?

"Clock with Astronomical and Calendrical Dials" was created by Gary Wragg. The information on this page describes Gary Wragg's original work.