Louis XIV Clock, Jacques Thuret Movement And Boulle Marquetry

The Louis XIV clock is the result of a collective effort involving, in addition to the clockmaker, the cabinetmaker, the sculptor, the founder, the chaser, and more. This collaboration between the various trades was facilitated by the presence, in the Louvre galleries, of many privileged artisans housed by the king. Thus, many cabinetmakers and bronze makers worked alongside renowned clockmakers such as Jacques Thuret, successor to his father Isaac as clockmaker to the king, who was housed at the Louvre in 1694.

Our clock has the privilege of bearing his signature in an enamel cartouche below the dial, as well as on the movement.

The frame is adorned with rich copper and gilt bronze ornamentation—foliage, acanthus leaves, garlands, volutes, shells—on a background of typically Louis XIV brown tortoiseshell known as Boulle Marquetry. This marquetry, practiced by the famous cabinetmaker of the same name, was also used by several of his colleagues, who remain anonymous due to the lack of a stamp.

The whole is crowned by a mask and a tripod urn with crowbars.

The face and sides of the clock are glazed, allowing a view of the movement and the oscillations of the pendulum.

The dial is made of chased bronze decorated with arabesques and two eagles. It bears twelve enamel cartouches indicating the hours in Roman numerals. The hands are made of openwork steel.

Our clock is in perfect condition and has been fully serviced by our clockmaker.

Dimensions: H. 71 cm x W. 35 cm x D. 18 cm

Movement signed Thuret in Paris

Wire escapement

Louis XIV period