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1 of 253523 objects
Mantel clock 1778
Porcelain, enamel, gilt metal | 31.8 x 21.0 x 16.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 30134
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A Louis XV mantel clock in the form of a drum, supported in the cleft branches of a tree of gilded metal. Porcelain flowers are fitted to the tips of some of the branches. A tuft of bulrushes in green lacquered metal decorates the front of the serpentine base flanked by two porcelain groups; on the left an African man holding a vase on a tazza and, on the right, a parrot perched on a tree trunk. Covered by a glass dome with a wood turned base.
The enamel dial has an elaborate gilt bezel, the 12 hours represented by Roman numerals and 5 minute intervals in arabic numbers and a pair of pierced gilt hands. The timepiece has a verge escapement.
Provenance
Étienne Le Noir was a member of a family of highly regarded Parisian clockmakers; known to be in business in the sixteenth century and the the partnership between Étienne and his and his son, Pierre-Étienne, operated until the 1820s. The workshop's production reached its peak during this partnership and they sold clocks and watches to distributors all over Europe. Their reputation was so great and their products in such high demand that clocks with fake Étienne Le Noir signatures were widespread on the market. The size of the Le Noir's business led to subcontracting for mechanical parts among various makers including dial makers, watchcase makers and decorators of enamel and gold. Le Noir also collaborated closely with a number of cabinetmakers and marchands-merciers, who inserted his clocks into complex gilt bronze cases decorated with flowers, animals and porcelain figures. In the Royal Collection by 1866.
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Creator(s)
(porcelain manufacturer)(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Porcelain, enamel, gilt metal
Measurements
31.8 x 21.0 x 16.0 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Saxony [Germany]
