The Last Supper Commemorative Clock
Decorative art, specifically a novelty shadowbox wall clock • SunShine (brand name manufacturer); mass-produced commercial product
Style & Movement
Kitsch / Contemporary Vernacular Religious Art
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including a lithographic print, synthetic silk/plastic flowers, a battery-operated quartz clock mechanism, and a moulded plastic/metal frame under glass
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980s–1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 20 inches; vertical rectangular shadowbox format
Subject Description
The upper portion features a lithographic reproduction of the Last Supper based on a popular 20th-century interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's composition. Below the imagery is a decorative garland of artificial peach and white flowers. The bottom section contains a clock face labeled 'SunShine' with rectangular indices and butterfly-shaped clock hand accents.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible signs of aging on the frame and dust accumulation within the casing
Estimated Market Value
USD $20 - $50
Auction Estimate
USD $15 - $40
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a mass-market retailer or religious gift shop; common household devotional item
Art Historical Significance
Low art historical significance; it represents the ubiquity of religious iconography in 20th-century domestic consumer products and the 'kitschification' of high art for the masses.
Notable Features
Features the 'SunShine' brand logo; distinctive butterfly ornamentation on the clock hands and a beaded texture on the inner lip of the frame
Condition Issues
Scuffing on the gold-toned frame finish, fading of the artificial foliage, and potential mechanical failure of the quartz movement over time
Conservation Recommendations
Non-invasive cleaning of the glass exterior; replacement of the AA battery to prevent acid leaking; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the print and flowers