French Louis XVI Mantel Clock by Lepaute by Pierre-Henry Lepaute
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French Louis XVI Mantel Clock by Lepaute 1795

Pierre-Henry Lepaute

Carrara MarbleMarbleStoneBronzeGoldMetalGilt
57 ⨯ 65 ⨯ 16 cm
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  • About the artwork
    The ‘Vert Antique de Grèce Clair’ marble base of this klok is richly decorated with gilt bronze reliefs and ornaments and rests on six gilt bronze feet. The clock is centrally placed on the wide base in a marble case shaped like a lyre. The clock is flanked by two white marble figures that represent literature and philosophy. On top of the clock stands a gilt bronze rooster on a stack of books.

    This mantel clock is based upon a design of Louis Simon Boizot (1743-1809). Boizot was a designer at the Gobelin Manufacture. When he turned sixteen he went to study at the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. In 1762 he won the Prix de Rome for sculpture.
    From 1773 to 1800 Boizot was director of the designing department of the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. By virtue of that function, he was also asked to design mantel clocks. These were terracotta models that were cast in bronze or reproduced in marble. One of his most profound designs is “l’Etude et la Philosophie” of which this clock is an excellent example.

    The bronze fittings on this clock are of an extremely refined quality, not only in the casting, but especially in the level of chasing. From this we can deduce that the bronze work of this clock most certainly is made by the studio of Thomire, although the components are not marked.

    Pierre-Phillipe Thomire (1751-1843) was considered to be the most important bronze worker of his time. In his workshop, that was hugue, he employed thousands of personnel to meet the demand for his work.

    The Clockwork
    Three week going train. Striking train strikes the hours in full and once every half hour. The hours and minutes are indicated by Arabic numerals, as well as the central date indication. Both the dial and clockwork are signed: Lepaute à Paris.

    Pierre-Henry Lepaute (1745-1805) came from a very renowned family of clockmakers in France. His work can be found in collections of museums worldwide.

    The iconography of this mantel clock can be interpreted as an allegory on the fine arts, with references to music and literature. The rooster on top refers to France as guardian of the arts.
  • About the artist
    Pierre-Henry Lepaute (1745-1805) came from a very renowned family of clockmakers in France. His work can be found in collections of museums worldwide.