Cartel Clockr Louis XV Style 19th Century

This elegant Napoleon III period clock, crafted around 1860 from finely chased and gilded bronze, perfectly exemplifies the *rocaille* style as revisited during the Second Empire. Its fully openwork structure presents an airy composition with dynamic lines—featuring curves, counter-curves, and sweeping foliate scrolls—that lend it a sense of great lightness.

The piece rests on a substantial, shaped base with undulating contours, supported by four scrolled feet. The front is adorned with a large *rocaille* shell motif framed by moldings and stylized foliage. The slightly textured top platform evokes a rocky landscape, reflecting the naturalist spirit characteristic of the Louis XV style. Four curved uprights rise from the base to support the clock's circular body. These richly molded supports are decorated with acanthus leaves and flowering branches, while framing an elegant openwork gilt-bronze grille featuring a quatrefoil pattern that visually lightens the composition.

At the center sits the large circular white enamel dial, encircled by a finely chased bezel. It displays cobalt blue Roman numerals for the hours, an outer minute track with black Arabic numerals, and two winding holes. The delicately pierced gilt-bronze hands feature scrollwork motifs that harmonize perfectly with the overall design. The clock housing is encircled by an abundant garland of flowers, leaves, and sinuous stems, while the background features radiating fluting that accentuates the relief of the ornamentation.

The crowning element consists of a large bouquet of acanthus leaves rising elegantly to the top of the clock, enhancing its verticality. The base and uprights are embellished with numerous *rocaille* scrolls, foliage, and floral motifs; the openwork sections create a remarkable play of light, highlighting the exceptional quality of the chasing and gilding. This clock is powered by a movement stamped "G. Philippe Palais Royal," attesting to high-quality Parisian craftsmanship. With its openwork structure, balanced proportions, tastefully restrained Rococo-style ornamentation, and superb gilt-bronze finish, it stands as a fine example of French decorative clockmaking from the Napoleon III period (circa 1860).

It retains its original, unmodified movement. It strikes the hours and half-hours on a gong, producing a clear, authentic tone.


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