Antique Louis XV period ormolu mounted Boulle marquetry wall clock and barometer

Antique Louis XV period ormolu mounted Boulle marquetry wall clock and barometer
French, Mid-18th Century
Height 133cm, width 34cm, depth 16cm

Dating from the mid-18th century, this remarkable pair of antiques showcases both artistry and technical mastery. The clock is signed by Jérôme Burgeat, a French horologist who maintained a workshop in Versailles during the latter half of the 1700s, while the barometer remains unsigned. Despite this, the two pieces share a consistent decorative language, making them an outstanding matched set.

Their cases are adorned with the sophisticated craft of Boulle marquetry, a decorative art form first perfected by André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642–1732). This demanding technique layers materials such as brass, pewter, and tortoiseshell before intricate designs are sawn through the stack. The resulting motifs yield both a primary image and its reverse, which are then carefully pieced together, adhered, and polished to create intricate mirrored patterns with dazzling effect.

Adding to their richness, the dark-toned structures are complemented by highly detailed gilt-bronze mounts. Each case is crowned with a striking figure of Father Time, an enduring symbol of the inevitability of time’s passage. Inspired by ancient mythology - rooted in the Greek god Chronos and the Roman Saturn - the figure evolved through Renaissance art. Commonly depicted as an aged, winged man wielding a scythe, here he is portrayed seated upon a globe, reinforcing the concept of time as universal and inescapable. Around him are further symbolic and ornamental motifs that enhance the dramatic presence of the pieces.

The circular dials of both the clock and barometer are framed with ormolu and enclosed by protective glass. The clock face displays Arabic numerals, while the barometer is inscribed with detailed labels, both surrounded by a richly ornamented ormolu panel. Among the decorative elements is a prominent relief portrait of King Louis XIV. Beneath the dials, the cases are enriched with scrolling acanthus motifs and draped muscular figures, sculpted as though supporting the weight of the instruments themselves.

Each piece concludes with additional gilt-bronze mounts and a graceful swirling finial. The clock mechanism bears the inscription ‘Burgeat à Versailles’, confirming its creation by Jérôme Burgeat.

Exemplifying the finest craftsmanship of the 18th century, this exceptional pair would make a prestigious addition to any discerning collection.

Artist/Maker: Jérôme Burgeat