14
A Louis XV Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
Sold
$5,500
Live Auction
European Furniture and Decorative Arts
Description
A Louis XV Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Jean-Baptiste Baillon, Paris, Circa 1745
one side of the clock case stamped ST. GERMAIN.
Height 23 1/2 x width 17 x depth 8 1/2 inches.
Condition
Dirt accumulation in the crevasses, spotting, tarnish etc. Heavily cleaned in the 19th century and possibly later electro-gilt. Later gilt fleurs-de-lys on the dial. The silk thread of the movement is broken, so it can't be tested properly, but the clocks winds, runs without the pendulum in place, and strikes when the hands are advanced manually.
Provenance
Note: Jean-Baptiste Baillon was a highly regarded watchmaker in Paris during the 18th century. Working on a scale seldom seen in this period, Baillon's factory in Saint Germain-en-Laye employed numerous skilled watchmakers and produced works for a discerning clientele. Baillon’s work was highly sought after and he received royal appointments during his career, including his 1770 appointment as "Premier Valet de Chambre, Horloger Ordinaire da la Dauphine" at the court of Marie Antoinette.The case of the present example is stamped ’St. Germain’ for Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain. Germain was a master bronzier and excelled in creating works in the Rococo style. Germain’s interest in the natural world is clearly illustrated in the exceptionally rendered floral elements that issue forth from the sides and top of the case. The asymmetry in form and detail seen in the chasing are hallmarks of his skilled work. Examples of Germain’s cases can be found in the collections such as the Metropolitan Museum in New York.