Museale Religieuse, wall clock with fire-gilt fittings, Louis XIV style, c. 1690
Key facts
- Production time
- 1690
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Museale Religieuse, wall clock with fire-gilt fittings in the Louis XIV style, c. 1690 The case, veneered in tortoiseshell (total tortoiseshell content less than 5 per cent) with various brass inlays, is supported by four feet decorated with acanthus leaves; at the front, Zephyr and Flora are depicted supporting the upper bronze cornice. The side panes are held in place by acanthus leaf mouldings; beneath the front door is a bronze relief depicting an hourglass. The top is also adorned with numerous period-typical bronze elements (acanthus leaves, friezes, etc.) and is crowned by four flame-shaped finials. Beneath the dial is a large, fire-gilded bronze panel depicting Chronos, Ceres, Dionysus, Flore and Zephyr. The case is well preserved, apart from minor repairs to the veneer and cracks typical of its age; the bronze frame of the front door has been soldered in the top right-hand corner. The large cartouche dial (a few cartouches have slight hairline cracks) with matching bronze rings is also well preserved. The movement (fully overhauled), with its Baroque pillar-style framework, runs for approximately 14 days; it strikes the half and full hours on the bell situated at the top, the spindle escapement was replaced in the 19th century by an anchor escapement, and the thread suspension by a pendulum spring. Dimensions: Height: 57 cm Width: 30 cm Depth: 15 cm The pendulum, key and a bell are included in the offer.