Table Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1675
This table clock, dating to circa 1675, was produced in Paris. The movement was made by clockmaker Nicolas Gribelin (1637–1719), and the elaborate case is attributed to André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732). The timepiece measures 59.6 × 42 × 22.9 cm (23 7/16 × 16 1/2 × 9 in.) and is constructed from a variety of materials, including walnut, ebony, oak, fruitwood, gilded brass, enamel, tortoiseshell, pewter, glass, steel, and other metals.
The clock features an arched architectural case supported by ornate turned feet and flanked by composite columns. Its exterior surfaces display intricate marquetry in tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter, complemented by heavy gilded brass mouldings and finials along the top. An arched glass door opens onto a richly engraved gilt dial plate filled with dense foliate scrollwork, framed by decorative borders. The dial includes Roman numeral hour plaques encircling central hands, with an ornamental cartouche positioned on the lower section of the dial plate.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Walnut, ebony, oak, fruitwood, gilded brass, enamel, tortoiseshell, pewter, glass, steel, and various metals
- Dimensions
- 59.6 × 42 × 22.9 cm (23 7/16 × 16 1/2 × 9 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Case attributed to André-Charles Boulle (born France, 1642–1732), Clock made by Nicolas Gribelin (born France, 1637–1719), Paris
- Place recorded
- Paris
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Table Clock
- Museum object number
- 2001.117
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.