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Attributed to Bernard (II) van Risen Burgh (Master c. 1730)
Paris, c. 1735-40
Oak and exotic woods; bronze; enamel; glass
H. 245 x W. 63 x D. 26 cm
Inv. no. 195
This clock’s case, in rocaille style, is exceptional both for the superb marquetry, showing floral motifs, and the exceptionally rich chased and gilt bronzes, culminating in the allegorical scene with in-the-round sculpted figures at the top of the piece. The upper section, or “head”, consists of the enamelled face, whose three hands show the hours, minutes and seconds, and contains the mechanism. The central section allows the pendulum to move, as can be seen through an oculus, while the lower section houses the weights that make the mechanism work.
Long-case clocks with very long pendulums were called regulators because they were so accurate that other clocks could be set by them. The dynamically curving form of this piece is perfect for the technical requirements of the movement inside.
A selection of 18th century-pieces in the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection
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