Louis XVI-style Gilded Bronze Porch Clock, 18th Century

Louis XVI-era gilded bronze clock in need of servicing.

Height 54 cm - Width 39 cm - Depth 9 cm

The enameled dial is surrounded by a finely chased and gilded frieze, topped by a bronze eagle on a black marble base.

This dial rests on two white marble columns, each framed by two gilded bronze baluster-shaped pilasters, topped by two finely chased and gilded bronze urns. They rest on bases of black and white marble, all embellished with friezes of gilded bronze beads, and are adorned with a cascade of trophies comprising two lyres and two quivers set amid flowers and fruits with foliage and ribbons.

The tiered white marble terrace is adorned with chiseled and gilded bronze friezes punctuated by small flowers and featuring, at its center, a bas-relief of putti amidst waves or clouds. It rests on four small, finely chiseled feet.


The “portico” clock was invented during the Louis XVI period, along with an unparalleled variety of other models. The portico model enjoyed immense success and was produced in a wide variety of variations. It is always a true miniature architectural structure, featuring columns, corbels, urns, and an ornamental repertoire borrowed from architecture. This architectural inspiration was shaped by Neoclassicism and the “Greek style,” drawing its references from the archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii.

This clock is a perfect example of the portico clock as it was appreciated during the Louis XVI period. The marble columns, bases, stepped terrace, and ornamental motifs all draw inspiration from architecture. The use of white and black marble, urns, and trophies evokes antiquity, while the lavish use of chiseled and gilded bronze (ormoulu) highlights and underscores the piece’s precious nature.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• KJELLBERG, Pierre, *Encyclopédie de la pendule française du Moyen-Âge au XXe siècle*, Paris, Les Éditions de l’Amateur, 2005.
• TARDY, Henri-Gustave LENGELLÉ (alias), *La Pendule française*, Part 1: From the Origins to Louis XV, Paris, Tardy, 1974.