Important Boulle Clock, Signed Thuret Paris

Provenance
Important pedestal clock, made in the 19th century after a French early 18th-century model, in the tradition of the great works of André-Charles Boulle. The historic model relates to monumental pedestal clocks preserved in major public collections, notably in London, where the composition combines a high architectural pedestal, a richly mounted clock case and an iconography centred on Time. The dial is signed Thuret Paris on an enamel cartouche placed below the bezel.

Description
The ensemble consists of a monumental clock raised on a matching high pedestal. The composition is strongly vertical and highly decorative, with an architectural outline and a slightly curved form enriched with abundant gilt-bronze ornament. The upper section is surmounted by a winged figure of Father Time holding a scythe. The sides of the clock case are decorated with putti, musical attributes, winged female figures, foliate drops, scrolls and rocaille motifs. The dial has white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, arranged around a finely worked gilt-bronze centre. The pedestal repeats the same decorative vocabulary, with rich Boulle marquetry of scrolling foliage, palmettes, stylised leaves and symmetrical reserves. The lower section is fitted with important gilt-bronze mounts, including lion-paw feet, acanthus leaves, masks, garlands and a figural group with a winged horse. The top of the pedestal is fitted with a veined red marble slab, probably red griotte marble.

Technique And Materials
Veneered wood, Boulle marquetry in brown tortoiseshell and engraved brass, chased and gilt bronze, enamel, glass and red marble. The quality of the castings, the precision of the chasing and the richness of the ornament indicate a carefully executed work, consistent with high-level French 19th-century production inspired by models from the reign of Louis XIV.

Dating
France, 19th century, after an early 18th-century model. The dating is consistent with the historicist revival of Boulle forms, the use of brown tortoiseshell, engraved brass and richly chased gilt-bronze mounts.

Condition
Complete, functional and preserved in original condition. Wear consistent with age and use, including wear to the gilding, oxidation, small cracks, local lifting and minor losses to the marquetry, visible in certain areas and consistent with the age of the object.

Function And Display
A highly decorative and architectural piece, intended for a classical interior, gallery, reception room or specialised collection of French clocks and Boulle furniture.

Dimensions
overall height - 230 cm
clock height - 115 cm
clock width - 58 cm
clock depth - 25 cm
pedestal height - 115 cm
pedestal width - 79 cm
pedestal depth - 39 cm