The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection, A Family Collection, A National Museum, An International Treasure House

Results:  1

Cartel clock
  • Cartel clock
  • Attributed to Charles Cressent (1685 - 1768)
  • Guiot, Movement Maker
  • France
  • c. 1747
  • Gilt bronze, oak, pinewood, première-partie Boulle marquetry of brass and turtleshell, brass, ebony, enamel and glass
  • Object size: 135.9 x 52.7 x 35.6 cm
  • Inscription: 'Guiot AParis' Engraved
    Inscription: '16238 H H' Scratched
    Inscription: 'du 16 juin / 1781 J B fils' Scratched
    Inscription: 'Jean Le Noir / janvier 1756' Scratched
    Inscription: 'le 23 May 1764 / Sept 1892' Scratched
    Inscription: 'Richard 1769 T H' Scratched
    Inscription: 'Richard août 1747' Scratched
    Stamp: 'BROCOT PROPTE' (last two letters of PROPTE are smaller size)
  • F92
  • Small Drawing Room
Commentary
History
Further Reading
  • The cabinetmaker Charles Cressent was frequently fined by the guild authorities on suspicion of casting furnishing bronzes (such as clock cases and fire-dogs), thereby transgressing his limits as an ébeniste (cabinetmaker). This clock was probably among works sold in 1749 when he organized a sale of his work and paintings to pay off his debts. The superb gilt-bronze case, with figures of Love Triumphing over Time, is certainly closer to sculpture than furniture – to which Cressent may have made a small concession with the oak carcase and Boulle marquetry on the sides.