Rococo style gilt bronze cartel clock and barometer

Rococo style gilt bronze cartel clock and barometer
French, 19th Century
Height 73cm, width 46cm, depth 15cm
 
In their elaborate use of C-scrolls, putti figures, stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, this clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in France during the reign of King Louis XV (1710-74) and because of this it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Louis XV’ or ‘Louis Quinze’ style.
 
The clock and barometer are both composed of circular white enamel faces, set within gilt bronze (ormolu) cartouche-shaped cases. The cases are crowned by sculptures of putti which are framed by openwork arches covered with flowers. Models of roses decorate the sides of the cases along with fruit branches, which also feature in the lower sections. At the centre of both cases are circular white enamel faces.
 
For the clock, this is the dial which features an hour and minute hand, Roman and Arabic Numerals and the maker’s name ‘Gaultier/ A Paris’. The face of the barometer is fitted with a pointer and marked with French weather readings. The lower halves of the cases are decorated with sculptures of pairs of birds which are perched on plinths within shaped openings. The cases terminate in flowering crossed branches.