Louis XV Period Cartel Clock, Stamped B. Lieutaud, 18th Century

A Louis XV period wall clock and console, stamped Balthazar LIEUTAUD*, 18th century, violin-shaped in a floral Martin varnish on a pastel green ground adorned with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. The console is shaped and finished in Martin varnish, also adorned with gilt bronze mounts. The clock is surmounted by a Rococo cartouche composed of delicately chased leaves and clasps. The movement and the white enamel dial, indicating the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes in Arabic numerals, are signed "TAVERNIER à Paris"**. The original movement strikes the hours and half-hours and is operated with its key. The rich, original mercury-gilt bronze ornamentation is in very good condition (cleaned by our workshop). The clock and console are stamped LIEUTAUD. Balthazar Lieutaud, from a prominent family of cabinetmakers, became a Master on March 20, 1749. He distinguished himself in the manufacture of high-end furniture and specialized in clock cases. His clock cases are remarkably finely crafted, and his early works are in the Louis XV style. He also produced numerous regulator clocks: Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris: Louis XV regulator clock with a highly ornate shape and floral marquetry; Château de Versailles: Louis XVI regulator clock in ebony adorned with extensive bronze decoration.