Wall Clock
c. 1735–40
Medium
Oak, tortoiseshell, kingwood, brass, gilt bronze, and glass
Dimensions
147.3 × 64.8 × 53.3 cm (58 × 25 1/4 × 21 in.)
Classification
furniture
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
57819
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
An exuberant and lavish example of the French Rococo style, this sculptural wall clock epitomizes the extravagant era of Louis XV (reigned 1715–74). Festooned with ormolu (gilt bronze) swirls and floral swags, the clock required the collaboration of numerous specialized artisans. Its case, candelabra, and wall bracket were created by the eminent Jean-Pierre Latz, who was appointed ébéniste (furniture maker) to the king in 1741. The clock’s eight-day movement was manufactured in the Flemish city ...