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France, around 1750
- Case
- ormolu, ornate rococo case with lively scrolling foliage with floral elements, lattice work and open-work pediment, design Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, circle
- Dial
- enamel
- Movement
- anchor escapement, hour strike and quarter strike on bell on demand, duration of two weeks
- Height
- 21¼ in
The Rococo stylistic period largely coincided with the reign of the French King Louis XV (1723–74), which is why this era of art history in France is also referred to as Louis-quinze. This elegant cartel clock from around 1750 is a wonderful example of the fine craftsmanship of this dynamic, imaginative time.
The fine case, measuring just 21 ¼ in. high and made of fire-gilt bronze is impressive for its exceptionally rich and opulent design. The multiple intertwined acanthus volutes display the spirited asymmetry typical of the Rococo period. Delicate flowers and floral latticework lend the case an airy lightness. A fluted decorative pediment with curved, partly open worked entablature serves as a finial. This elegant type of case enjoyed great popularity in the 18th century and can be placed in the stylistic circle of the great Parisian bronzier and clock case designer Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (1719–1791) due to its highly animated forms. The gleaming surface of the fire-gilt bronze perfectly suited the taste of the Rococo period, an era fascinated by light and shimmering brightness.
The movement of this courtly timepiece is of high quality due to its long running time of two weeks and a striking mechanism with hour and quarter strike on demand, which is very rare in French clocks.