French Rococo Ormolu Mantel Clock Set After Meissonnier by Samuel Marti

Description

A very large and fine antique French clock set, circa 1880. It is of Rococo design in the manner of … more A very large and fine antique French clock set, circa 1880. It is of Rococo design in the manner of Juste Aurele Meissonier and boldly modeled in gilt bronze. Waisted keyhole shape with acanthus leaf shoulders, 'C' scroll feet standing on its original integral serpentine base. To the top is a putti and a musical instrument. To the sides, are cloth backed sound frets. The large dial is porcelain.

The design is attributed to by the highly inventive and influential rococo goldsmith and architect Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695-1750). Born in Turin, Meissonnier emigrated to France to work in the royal Gobelins factory in 1724 and in 1726 succeeded Jean II Bérain as architect and draughtsman to the Chambre et Cabinet du Roi. His designs for candelabra and other objects appear in the Dousieme livre des Oeuvres de J. A. Messonnier, Livre de Chandeliers de Sculpture en Argent published by Gabriel Huquier in the 1740s. A similar candelabrum in the Munich Residenz is illustrated in Ottomeyer and Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen (Munich 1986).

The French movement is of high quality and is by Samuel Marti. It is in excellent clean and running condition by needs adjustment. Condition of the case is excellent, beautifully clean and bright with minor wear or discoloration and there are no losses. The dial is also in excellent antique condition.

Samuel Marti clock maker's mark on the movement back plate.
Samuel Marti et Cie clocks can be found on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the J. Paul Getty Museum in California.

The case of this Louis XV period mantel clock was made by Samuel Marti et Cie (company) to whom a silver medal was awarded in 1889. This exceptional clock set is decorated with a scrolled leaf motif throughout, the fine case is surmounted by a cherub angel and a musical instrument.

The clock itself was created by L.F. who worked in Paris throughout the 19th century, and was one of the finest clock makers of his time.

Mantel clock dimensions:
Height: 19 in (48.26 cm) Width: 12 in (30.48 cm) Depth: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
Garniture set measures: 11” H x 4 1/2” W x 4” D

This beautiful clock is still functioning well, but will need adjustment as all clocks generally do after shipping. less