French Aesthetic Movement Belgian Black Marble Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1880
This Aesthetic Movement mantel clock dates to circa 1880 according to the source, featuring an architectural Belgian black marble case decorated with polychromed tiles depicting birds, flowers, fish, and a Japanese-style fan.
The black marble dial is framed by an embossed brass bezel, bearing gilt Roman numerals and fleur-de-lis hands flanking an illustrated ceramic central disc. The dial is signed for the retailer N. Matson & Co., Chicago. The source states the clock is powered by an eight-day movement made by Ernest Lourdelet of Paris that strikes the quarter hours on two gongs. Turned brass ball finials and feet accent the marble structure.
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
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Retailer
- N. Matson & Co., Chicago
- Dimensions
- 17″H x 18 1/2″W x 6 1/2″D
- Case Material
- Belgian black marble
- Movement Maker
- Ernest Lourdelet, Paris
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Details
- 8-day movement chiming quarter hours on two gongs
- Maker / attribution
- Ernest Lourdelet
Design
- Visible features
- • Black architectural marble case flanked by side platforms and vertical fluted columns • Polychrome ceramic plaques with naturalistic motifs including birds, fish, and a Japanese fan • Gilt Roman numeral chapter ring surrounding an illustrated circular dial centre • Six turned brass ball finials mounted on the upper crest and posts
- Dial and Retail Identity
- The clock features an etched marble dial with gilt Roman numerals, an embossed brass ring, and fleur-de-lis hands. A circular tile is positioned at the center of the dial. The dial is signed by the retailer N. Matson & Co. of Chicago.
- Mechanical Specifications
- The clock is powered by an eight-day movement, identified by the source as the work of Ernest Lourdelet of Paris. It is reported to strike the quarter hours on two gongs. The movement components are not visible in the provided imagery.
- Architectural Construction
- The clock case is crafted in Belgian black marble, incorporating side platforms and vertical fluted columns. The structure is accented with turned brass ball finials and feet. The case features polychromed tiles depicting flowers, birds, fish, and a Japanese-style fan on a central semi-circular tile.
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: Internal movement and rear case views are not shown in the image.
- Research required: Movement maker signature is stated in the description but not visible from the dial front.