Pendulum Louis XVI - Allegory To Science - Balthazar Lieutaud

Double patinated bronze clock, golden and brown, representing two cherubim surrounded by the attributes of Science : compass, square, protractor, books, parchment, aladdin's lamp, telescope, sundial, terrestrial glode bearing the 12 astrological signs and geographical indications "PARIS, TOUR, VERSAL, ORLEAN, LIONS".

Skeleton movement carried by 4 feet in volutes, and topped with attributes of Mercury dropping garlands of oak leaves.
This pendulum presents a rare mechanism with a wheel of encounter (exhaust called verge), with an exceptional work of chiselling on the level of the gears.
Enamelled dial with Roman numerals decorated with lily flowers.
Rectangular marble cherry base, decorated with friezes of interlacing and rosettes in gilded bronze, resting on 4 feet spinning top.

BALTHAZAR LIEUTAUD (died in 1780)
Master cabinetmaker from a long family tradition, appearing among the greatest cabinetmakers Paris of the reign of Louis XV. Received master-cabinetmaker in 1749, he specializes in luxuriously decorated clock cases, and in the creation of boxes of regulators and cartels, which he entrusts the golden bronze decorations to the most skilled bronziers and carvers of time, including Charles Grimpelle and the Caffieri. Supplier of the Rroyale Court and the great ones of the time, he collaborated with the watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud and bronzier Philippe Caffieri (source Wikipedia)

REFERENCES FOR ATTRIBUTION
Pendulum showing the same work on the encyclopedia of the french pendulum P. Kjellberg , page 189 (see annex photo)
+ see the Sale at Christie's on 19/12/2007 in Paris.

STATE
Excellent condition
Movement in working condition

EPOQUE LOUIS XVI (XVIIIth century)
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