Louis XVI Period Regulator Clock "allegory Of War And Peace" Signed Lechopié

A magnificent and imposing Louis XVI period portico-style regulator clock of exceptional quality. First and foremost, it is a horological marvel: the wire-driven movement features a 60-pin escapement, making it a regulator. The dial has Roman numerals, a date display indicating the day, and a small seconds hand (applied separately). The balance wheel, depicting a large sun, is very heavy, ensuring remarkable regularity. This heavy balance wheel and pin-end escapement result in a movement of surgical precision that remains consistent throughout the winding cycle. The movement and mainplate are signed by Adam Lechopié, a renowned Parisian clockmaker who became a master in 1758 and worked for the Parisian aristocracy. He collaborated with leading bronze casters of the late 18th century, such as Osmond, Poisson, and Thomire. The movement is framed by finely chased gilt-bronze garlands of flowers and laurel. It is in the Neoclassical style, a style very fashionable during this period. An allegorical clock, it represents war and peace. War is represented on the clock's base by a gilded bronze statue of Minerva, goddess of war and wisdom, with her spear and shield. Peace is represented by a statue of Venus, also in gilded bronze, goddess of peace, love, and beauty, gazing at herself in a mirror. The whole is surmounted by an imperial eagle, symbol of power. Between the two statues is a trophy with the attributes of war: spears, flags, a ribboned garland of oak leaves, and a cannon and helmet resting on the ground. The quality of the chasing is exceptional, hence the near certainty of its association with a renowned bronze craftsman. This theme of war and peace enjoyed a peak of popularity between 1783 and 1785 to celebrate France's diplomatic successes, which allows us to date this clock to this period. An exceptional clock of very high quality, the gilding of the bronzes is superb, as is the chasing, as can be seen in the photos. More information available upon request.