French Louis XV Cartel Clock 1744 - 1746

Unknown artist

BronzeGoldMetalGilt
83 ⨯ 45 ⨯ 13 cm
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

• About the artwork
  A Cartel clock with a movement of three weeks duration. The movement signed Charles Balthasar (master clockmaker from 1717 onwards).
  The dial with outer Arabic and inner Roman numerals and a pair of pierced gilt brass hands. The movement with verge escapement; striking on the hours and half hours.
  
  The “style rocaille” clock case is decorated with flower sprays and leafy scrolls all over, ending at the top in an exuberant acanthus scroll. The case below the dial shows an asymmetrically shaped pendulum aperture, defined by foliate scrolls. The case is terminated by a bow tying the different flower sprays, the bow is decorated by a single rose.
  
  The clock case is a beautiful example of the “style rocaille” (quite different from the somewhat exaggerated rococo style).
  Natural looking, long and sinuous lines of foliage and flower motifs characterize the style rocaille. Although details are very often a-symmetrical, a style rocaille object is pleasing to the eye, because its overall construction is a symmetrical one.
  
  signed on the dial and the movement: Charles Balthazar à Paris
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist