Dutch 18th-century floor clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
This 18th-century floor clock, attributed by the source to the maker Rutgerds v. Meus of Amsterdam, is constructed with a pine wood base finished with walnut and walnut root veneers.
It features intricate inlaid and carved decorative elements. The clock stands on lion-shaped feet and includes a cast bronze figure of Kronos mounted on the door of the clock case. The pediment is adorned with a gilded wooden figure of Atlas and two trumpeting angels. The dial is made of engraved and chiseled bronze, displaying both Roman and Arabic numerals along with a sun-moon mechanism. The movement is described as double-striking.
The clock is accompanied by one winding key, one clock case key, two weights, and one pendulum. The auction description notes that the object is currently functional but requires repair and is stated to be incomplete.
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.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 18th century
- Dial
- Engraved, chiseled bronze
- Type
- Floor clock
- Maker
- Rutgerds v. Meus Amsterdam
- Condition
- Functional but requires repair and is incomplete
- Materials
- Pine, walnut, walnut root, bronze, gilded wood
- Dimensions
- 290 x 68 x 37 cm
- Inclusions
- 1 winding key, 1 clock case key, 2 weights, 1 pendulum
- Place recorded
- Netherlands
- Maker / attribution
- Rutgerds v. Meus
Design
- Visible features
- • Carved gilded wooden figure of Atlas at the top • Cast bronze figure of Kronos on the case door • Dial features a sun-moon mechanism • Base supported by carved lion feet
- Provenance and Documentation
- The clock is attributed to the Amsterdam-based maker Rutgerds v. Meus. The identification of the maker is established via a marking found on the object itself. The item was catalogued as Lot 847 for a sale held at the Nagyhazi Gallery and Auction House in Budapest, Hungary. The cataloguing information provided by the gallery explicitly categorizes the object as a Dutch product originating from the 18th century. It comes with its original winding and case keys, alongside the necessary weights and pendulum for operation.
- Dial and Timekeeping Mechanism
- The clock dial is manufactured from bronze, which has been chiseled and engraved to create a textured finish. The layout of the dial includes both Roman and Arabic numerals to indicate the time. Positioned in the upper section of the dial face is a sun-moon mechanism, which serves as a complication. The movement, as indicated in the provided documentation, is of the double-striking variety. The clock is supplied with two weights to provide power for the movement, along with a pendulum to regulate timekeeping. While the documentation notes the clock is functional, it is officially classified as incomplete and in need of repair.
- Case Construction and Decorative Elements
- The floor clock is built upon a pine wood carcass, which serves as the base for an exterior veneer of walnut and walnut root. The casing is decorated with marquetry and carving, resting on carved feet designed in the form of lion paws. The door of the main case features an inset cast bronze figure depicting Kronos. The top of the clock is highly decorative, featuring a carved and gilded wooden central figure of Atlas holding a globe. This central motif is flanked by two carved and gilded wooden figures of angels shown in a trumpeting pose.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Extent of missing components is unspecified
- Research required: Specific nature of required repairs is undefined