A longcase clock dial by the well-known Amsterdam maker Jan Breukelaar (1738 - post 1790). The dial probably dates from around 1775 and is of a type found on the more expensive Amsterdam clocks.
The elements in the dial centre consist of the date within the seconds ring (top centre), either side of which are triangular apertures showing the month and day of the week. Above the moon disc is a small aperture showing the hour of high tide at Amsterdam.
The painting depicts the Greek mythological figure of Urania, one of the nine Muses and patron of astronomy.
From Antiquarian Horology, March 2006.