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People Were Confused Why This Clock In A Museum Was Covered With A Sheet But Then They Read The Plaque
Wendell Castle is the father of art furniture, and his pieces are so masterfully crafted that you don’t know whether you should actually be using them or if they should be in a gallery somewhere.
This clock, dubbed the ‘ghost clock,’ certainly belongs in the art category. Created in 1985, it is on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. and at first glance seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet. A new exhibit perhaps, or maybe it was damaged and has been covered while awaiting repairs.
Looks can be deceiving however, and only upon reading the plaque underneath can the truth be revealed. The deception is so convincing, the work so intricately carved and sculpted, that it would be impossible to tell from pictures only. It has certainly gotten the attention of visitors who, confused at first, get the magic aha! moment when reading the explanation on the display plaque below.
Scroll down below to find out how Wendell Castle created his ‘Ghost Clock,’ it’s truly a stunning piece of art!
More info: Wendell Castle
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This clock is known as the ‘Ghost Clock’ and was made by Wendell Castle in 1985
Image credits: Dave McIntire
At first glance it seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet
Image credits: Dave McIntire
Looks can be deceiving however
Image credits: Mads/Just some things
And only upon reading the plaque underneath can the truth be revealed
Image credits: PwnBuddy
The deception is so convincing, the work so intricately carved and sculpted…
Image credits: Smithsonian American Art Museum
…that it would be impossible to tell from pictures only!
Image credits: Dave McIntire
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What do you think ?
Jef Bateman 8 years ago
That is amazing. Wouldn't you be tempted to touch it to make sure it isn't cloth?
Kipper Mcgee 8 years ago
I would leave a big fat mark on the sculpture examining the piece with my hands.(on accident of course)
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just a thought ! 8 years ago
Omg! Even after knowing what that is , my eyes don't seem to believe it ! People are really talented !
Mikleo 8 years ago
It's not talent alone. It also requires a lot of hard work.
Load More Replies...
Layne Jenkins 8 years ago
I dont believe it. If its true, that is seriously the most impressive thing I have ever seen.
Pragya Fating 8 years ago
Just wait until you see the 'melody in marble'.
Load More Replies...
Pragya Fating 8 years ago
OMG! I wanna touch it. I saw a similar sculpture in which it appears a woman is behind a veil. But it is totally made of marble. If u think carving on mahogany is a handful. Carving a marble in the perfect layers of fabric is just so brilliantly satisfying. She looks like a timeless beauty ND I could stare at her all day coz it's breathtakingly marvellous.
Rainbow Unicorn 8 years ago
That's nuts, when they said it was an optical illusion, it never occurred to me that the illusion was that that cloth was actually wood.
Savannah Skye 8 years ago
That is incredible!! I wonder how many people have tried to pull the sheet off to find it's all wood work!
Douglas Campbell 8 years ago
At first glance it seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet
Katie Shea 4 years ago
I have seen this in person, and it is truly one of the most amazing things I have seen. Like others, I wondered why this piece had been left covered with a sheet, and only after reading the plaque did I realize what it was. I stood in awe of it for many, many minutes, taking in each part - the 'sheet' itself which appeared that it would move if there was enough air; the impression of the clock under the sheet; the cord which is tied around the sheet; and the dimples and texture of the sheet. I saw it in an exhibition of trompe l'oeil at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, and as amazing as some of the other pieces were, Ghost Clock has stayed with me for over 15 years. When the museums open again, I will see it again in person.
Santino Marazzo 7 years ago
This piece of clock sculpture done by a genius . The carved white cover almost has a satin appearance. Beautifully done.
Michèle Gyselinck 8 years ago
yes, I would, but of course, you can't touch works of art. Hard to believe it's all made of wood.
Surya Amriza 8 years ago
My eyes hurt and hands feel itchy after knowing that that's not a sheet..I want to touch it, feel it so bad... :(((
Chess Wizard 8 years ago
You didn't actually READ the description, did you?
Load More Replies... Jef Bateman 8 years ago
That is amazing. Wouldn't you be tempted to touch it to make sure it isn't cloth?
Kipper Mcgee 8 years ago
I would leave a big fat mark on the sculpture examining the piece with my hands.(on accident of course)
Load More Replies... just a thought ! 8 years ago
Omg! Even after knowing what that is , my eyes don't seem to believe it ! People are really talented !
Mikleo 8 years ago
It's not talent alone. It also requires a lot of hard work.
Load More Replies... Layne Jenkins 8 years ago
I dont believe it. If its true, that is seriously the most impressive thing I have ever seen.
Pragya Fating 8 years ago
Just wait until you see the 'melody in marble'.
Load More Replies... Pragya Fating 8 years ago
OMG! I wanna touch it. I saw a similar sculpture in which it appears a woman is behind a veil. But it is totally made of marble. If u think carving on mahogany is a handful. Carving a marble in the perfect layers of fabric is just so brilliantly satisfying. She looks like a timeless beauty ND I could stare at her all day coz it's breathtakingly marvellous.
Rainbow Unicorn 8 years ago
That's nuts, when they said it was an optical illusion, it never occurred to me that the illusion was that that cloth was actually wood.
Savannah Skye 8 years ago
That is incredible!! I wonder how many people have tried to pull the sheet off to find it's all wood work!
Douglas Campbell 8 years ago
At first glance it seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet
Katie Shea 4 years ago
I have seen this in person, and it is truly one of the most amazing things I have seen. Like others, I wondered why this piece had been left covered with a sheet, and only after reading the plaque did I realize what it was. I stood in awe of it for many, many minutes, taking in each part - the 'sheet' itself which appeared that it would move if there was enough air; the impression of the clock under the sheet; the cord which is tied around the sheet; and the dimples and texture of the sheet. I saw it in an exhibition of trompe l'oeil at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, and as amazing as some of the other pieces were, Ghost Clock has stayed with me for over 15 years. When the museums open again, I will see it again in person.
Santino Marazzo 7 years ago
This piece of clock sculpture done by a genius . The carved white cover almost has a satin appearance. Beautifully done.
Michèle Gyselinck 8 years ago
yes, I would, but of course, you can't touch works of art. Hard to believe it's all made of wood.
Surya Amriza 8 years ago
My eyes hurt and hands feel itchy after knowing that that's not a sheet..I want to touch it, feel it so bad... :(((
Chess Wizard 8 years ago
You didn't actually READ the description, did you?
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