Louis XVI Cartel

An 18th century mercury ormolu wall-mounted cartel. The gilded bronze frame, based on a design by the ornemaniste Delafosse, is crowned with a covered vase adorned with laurel garlands. The large 22cm-diameter dial is signed by Lepaute Jean-André horloger du Roi, who was awarded the title of Master Watchmaker in 1755. The dial is framed by two pilasters decorated with rams' heads, highlighted by Greek friezes. Its original mercury gilding is wonderfully preserved! The clockmaker Jean-Andren Lepaute (1720-1789) was born in the Meuse region of France, and as soon as he arrived in Paris, he designed the clocks for the Palais du Luxembourg and the Royal Military Academy. He was also responsible for a number of inventions. His talents earned him the title of "horloger du Roi" (King's clockmaker), which he received as a master in 1759.
Weight: 10kg
Height: 82cm
Width: 42cm
Thickness: 13cm