French Rococo rosewood and gilt bronze bracket clock by Henri-Charles Balthazar
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
second half of the 18th century
This French bracket clock from the second half of the 18th century showcases the intricate Rococo aesthetic prevalent in Parisian furniture of the era. The curved case is crafted from rosewood veneer, serving as a dark, elegant backdrop for elaborate gilt bronze mounts.
These decorative elements feature hallmark Rococo vegetal motifs and scrolling patterns that frame the structure and ornament the molded legs. The clock face consists of a circular enameled porcelain dial, which displays Roman numerals rendered in blue enamel. The dial is prominently signed by the clockmaker Henri-Charles Balthazar, a prestigious artisan who served as Clockmaker to the Ladies of France. The design includes front and side windows that provide visibility into the internal mechanism, which utilizes a silk thread suspension system.
Signed both on the dial and the internal plate, this piece represents a high-quality example of 18th-century horology, reflecting the collaborative efforts between master clockmakers and bronze casters during the reign of Louis XV. The clock measures 55 by 39 by 17 centimeters and remains in functional condition.
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
- rosewood veneer, gilt bronze, enameled porcelain
- Dimensions
- 55 × 39 × 17 cm
Technical characteristics
- Dial
- enameled porcelain with Roman numerals
- Movement
- silk thread suspension
Design
- Style
- Rococo
- Decoration
- vegetal motifs and scrolls
- Inscriptions
- Ch. Balthazar, Paris
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Henri-Charles Balthazar
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.