Louis XIV Religieuse-Pendule
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1660/70
This Louis XIV period religieuse-pendule is an ebonized wooden mantle clock attributed to the Parisian clockmaker Claude Raillard, who was active during the second half of the 17th century.
The clock measures 46 cm in height, 31 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth. Its aesthetic is defined by an ebonized case featuring decorative tin stringing, accented with ornate cast and gilded bronze relief elements on the front door and upper cresting. The dial consists of a gold-colored chapter ring with blackened Roman numerals and engraved Arabic numerals for minutes, mounted against a black velvet ground. It is signed on a brass plaque beneath the numeral six.
The timepiece incorporates a pendulum regulated by a silk suspension and includes a locking plate mechanism for half-hourly and hourly striking on an overhead bell.
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
- circa 1660/70
- Type
- Religieuse-Pendule
- Depth
- 13 cm
- Maker
- Claude Raillard
- Width
- 31 cm
- Height
- 46 cm
- Materials
- Ebonized wood, tin, gilded bronze, velvet
- Mechanism
- Silk suspension pendulum, locking plate striking
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Claude Raillard
Design
- Visible features
- • Cast gilded bronze corner spandrels • Filigree gilded hands • Clock sits on four small turned feet • Brass signature plaque located below the numeral VI
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is configured as a religieuse-pendule, utilizing a pendulum regulated by a silk suspension system. This arrangement allows for the fine adjustment of the clock's timing. The striking mechanism is operated via a locking plate system, designed to regulate the half-hourly and hourly chime sequences. These strikes are delivered on an overhead bell mounted at the top of the movement. It is noted by the auction house that the current operational status of the movement has not been verified. No internal photographs of the movement plates or train were provided in the description, leaving the internal condition and technical specifics to be determined by further inspection.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The case is decorated with tin stringing inlay along the sides, which contrasts with the dark wood. The front door and the elaborate cresting are adorned with cast gilded bronze reliefs, which serve both as structural mounts and decorative elements. The dial features a chapter ring with bold Roman numerals for the hours and engraved Arabic numerals for the minute divisions. The dial and the four cast bronze corner spandrels are set against a background of black velvet, providing a stark visual contrast. The hands are fashioned in a delicate, filigree style from gilded metal. A brass plaque, positioned directly beneath the numeral six, identifies the maker through an inscription.
- Maker and Historical Context
- Claude Raillard is identified as a master clockmaker who maintained his workshop on the Rue de la Pelleterie in the Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie area of Paris. Archival records confirm his professional activity between 1648 and 1718, with his death occurring approximately in 1720. His work is recognized in historical collections, such as the Planetarium Zuylenburgh in Utrecht. The clock is documented in regional literature from 1981, providing a degree of provenance-related reference for the specific piece.
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: Condition regarding functionality not tested
- Research required: Exact production date speculative per circa attribution