A French Louis XVI ormolu cartel d’alcove, circa 1770.

Description

Louis XVI

During the reign of Louis XVI (1774 – 1789) there was a renewed interest and admiration for the art of the Classic Art of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This was fuelled among others by the discovery of Pompeii. During the Classicism decorative elements of this ancient art was incorporated in the designs of objects. Not only the classical urn but also the garlands and Acanthus leaves are typical for the Louis XVI period. It makes this small clock a nice example of the decorative arts of the Louis XVI period.

pierced and engraved hands

The enamel dial has Roman numerals for the hours and Arab numerals for the five minute indication. The foliate pierced and engraved hands are made of gilt brass.

pull quarter repetition

The movement is driven by a spring and has a duration of at least eight days. It is being regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock has pull quarter repeating on two bells. This was very useful in an era when making light was difficult and usually involved making fire.

gilt bronze

The case is made of gilt bronze and is surmounted by a classical urn which is flanked by two berry finials. There are C-curls to both sides of the dial from which garlands hang which are joined in the middle. The pendulum is visible through the open lenticle under which a large acanthus leaf terminates in a finial.