18th Century French Louis XV Cartel Clock, Vernis Etienne Simon Martin

Description

This sumptuous red and gold clock was made during the Louis XV period of 18th century France, circa 1750. It … more This sumptuous red and gold clock was made during the Louis XV period of 18th century France, circa 1750. It is decorated in a beautiful red lacquer with roses and rose stems, attributed to the workshop of the Etienne Simon Martin. This technique of ornate lacquer (Vernis Martin) was in imitation to the Chinese lacquers which became incredibly popular during this time. Eventually, Etienne Simon and his brothers would become vernisseurs du roi (“varnishers to the king”).

Known as a cartel type pendulum clock, it is designed to rest on it’s wall mounted console, which has matching lacquer decoration and gilt brass mounts. The brass mounts on the clock case and console are all hand worked and shaped into motifs consistent with the ornate and opulent designs of the era: floral and foliate scrolls, flowers, opposing scrolls, and asymmetrical sinuous Rocaille banding. The clock face and pendulum are accessed by a glass door with a bronze dore perimeter. On the left, is a chime wind, and on the right, the strike wind. The hour and minute hands are incredibly worked and cut into ornate forms.

Clock making in 18th century France was a mix of art and complex science, performed by different specialists working in guilds. There would have been the case maker or Ebeniste, the bronziers and brass specialists, the fabricator of the internal clockworks, and of course the specialist of decorative lacquer. French clocks of this period are works of art and were important indicators for their owners wealth and social standing. This rich red and gold clock will be a wonderful addition to any interior.

Wind key included. Clock movement professionally restored. Based on recommendations from our restorer, the clock should only be wound once every eight days. The time mechanism includes a “crown escapement”, which lose time periodically. Over the course of the wound period, the clock may lose up to 3-4 minutes (per eight day cycle). Upon moving the clock (including transportation and shipping), we recommend having the clock serviced by a professional technician. less