A French Louis XVI marble and ormolu mantel clock, Baudin circa 1770

Description

8-day movement with half hour striking on a bell, fine black and white marble case with fine ormolu mounts.

12.5-cm enamel dial with Arabic numerals signed Baudin A Paris, fine pierced gilt and engraved fleur-des-lis hands, 8-day spring driven movement with anchor escapement and silk suspended pendulum, half hour countwheel striking on a bell, rosé ormolu drum case surmounted by a black marble urn with ormolu flowers with two doves, supported by two black and white marble columns with fine ormolu mounts, on a lobed rectangular base raised on six toupee feet.

One of the typical characteristics of the Louis XVI period is the influence of Roman architecture, art and culture. In the design of this clock this is visible in the columns, the lion masks and the urn which surmounts the whole. It was made to embellish a fire place often in combination with candelabra and mirrors. The combination of the white and black marble harmonises well with the gilt bronze mounts. It might come to a surprise to some that this fine antique piece would look stunning in a modern interior because of the black and white marble.