Fredman's table clock, Stockholm 1750
This small table clock is one of few known works by Court Clockmaker Fredman, and was produced in around 1750. Fredman is better known from the poetry of Carl Michael Bellman. The choice of Fredman as the drunken character from Bellman's verses had clear moral undertones. Bellman's audience knew that Fredman had been a respected member of the bourgeoisie – a master of the guild, and Court Clockmaker – before his life spiralled out of control: he lost his position through drinking, ended up in countless disputes and pawned his and his wife's property.
Jean Fredman (1712/13-1767) was born Johan Fredrik Fredman, and became a master clockmaker in 1736. He became a master of the guild at the age of just 29, and was appointed Court Clockmaker in 1745. He was dismissed as Court Clockmaker in 1758.