Louis XIV clock attributed to Bernard I Van Risamburgh
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 18th century
This Louis XIV bracket clock is attributed to the cabinetmaker Bernard I Van Risamburgh (BVRB I) and features a movement signed by the clockmaker Chabrolle of Paris.
The case is constructed from stained oak and ebony veneer, incorporating elaborate Boulle marquetry composed of tortoiseshell, brass, stained horn, and mother-of-pearl. The exterior is highly decorative, featuring chased and gilt bronze mounts. The clock is topped by a shell motif framed by foliage scrolls. The circular dial displays enameled Roman numerals and is flanked by four caryatid-shaped supports representing the four seasons, each surmounted by a fire pot.
The base is decorated with foliage patterns in the style of Bérain, floral motifs, and inlaid medallions depicting the signs of the Zodiac. It rests on supports featuring ram's head appliqués and falling rose motifs. The lower plate includes an intertwined monogram 'MB'.
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
- Bracket clock
- Material
- Stained oak, ebony veneer, Boulle marquetry of tortoiseshell, brass, stained horn, and mother-of-pearl, chased and gilt bronze
- Monogram
- MB
- Dimensions
- 70 x 22 x 45 cm
- Base details
- Bérain-style foliage, flower decorations and Zodiac medallions
- Place recorded
- France
- Figural elements
- Four caryatid-shaped supports embodying the four seasons
- Movement signature
- Chabrolle à Paris
- Maker / attribution
- Bernard I Van Risamburgh (attributed); Chabrolle (movement)
Design
- Visible features
- • Four caryatid-shaped figures flanking the central dial • Twelve white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals • Inlaid Zodiac medallions along the bottom section of the base • Integrated gilt bronze foliage and shell ornament at the clock's crest
- Dial and Movement
- The dial is circular and composed of individual enamel cartouches displaying Roman numerals. These numerals are executed in a blue enamel, contrasting with the metallic face. The movement is attributed to the clockmaker Chabrolle, who was active in Paris. The signature is placed directly on the movement. The movement's precise mechanics are housed within the elaborate case, which serves as both a housing for the timekeeping mechanism and an independent display piece. The lower plate of the mechanism between the clock feet bears an intertwined monogram consisting of the letters 'MB', which serves as an additional identifier on the internal components.
- Attribution and Comparative History
- The clock is attributed to the cabinetmaker Bernard I Van Risamburgh, commonly known by the acronym BVRB I. While the clock is attributed to his workshop, the auction description notes that similar examples exist, including one previously sold at Christie's in November 2020.
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The case of this Louis XIV clock reflects the traditional aesthetic of the period, employing a complex material palette. It is built upon a substrate of stained oak and ebony veneer, which serves as the foundation for an elaborate Boulle marquetry. This intricate veneer work utilizes a combination of tortoiseshell, brass, stained horn, and mother-of-pearl to create decorative patterns, particularly on the lower section of the base. The visual profile is defined by extensive chased and gilt bronze mounts. These include decorative applications of ram's heads, falling roses, and a Bérain-style foliage motif at the center. The crest of the clock is adorned with a large shell motif flanked by foliage scrolls, while the mid-section features four distinct caryatid figures representing the four seasons, each supporting a fire pot atop its head.
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: Attribution to Bernard I Van Risamburgh remains a historical attribution rather than a documented certainty
- Research required: The significance and specific history of the 'MB' monogram are not fully identified in the source description