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 classical art, particularly that of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This interest was fuelled, among other factors, by the discovery of Pompeii. In this era of Classicism, decorative elements from ancient art were incorporated into the designs of various objects. Not only classical urns but also garlands and acanthus leaves were typical of the Louis XVI period. These elements make this small clock a fine example of the decorative arts from 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.