Louis XVI bronze lion clock by Causard
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1770 - 1780
This Louis XVI bronze pendulum clock, dating to approximately 1770–1780, features a sculptural lion figure serving as the primary mount for a vase-shaped clock housing.
The piece is inscribed "Causard à Paris," identifying the work of Georges Causard (1738–1780). The movement provides quarter-hour striking on a bell. The clock is set upon a rectangular ebony base, which is finished with fire-gilded ormolu mounts, including a central oak leaf bundle secured by ribbons and decorative floral motifs at the corners. The top surface of the base incorporates a gold-toned lozenge-patterned inlay.
The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and baton indices, with gold openwork hands. Measuring 59 cm in height, the clock displays a thematic combination of animal statuary and classical vessel form.
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
- ca. 1770-1780
- Type
- Pendulum clock
- Maker
- Georges Causard
- Height
- 59 cm
- Functions
- Quarter-hour striking
- Dial details
- White enamel with Arabic numerals and baton indices
- Case materials
- Ebony, bronze, and ormolu
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Georges Causard
Design
- Visible features
- • Lion figurine is depicted standing and looking backward • Dial features winding holes located above the 4 and 8 markers • Base is constructed with an ebony finish and ormolu feet • Hands are designed with pierced ormolu or gold-colored metalwork
- Dial and Movement
- The time is indicated on a white enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals for the hours and minutes, supplemented by baton indices. The dial is equipped with gold-toned, openwork hands for the hour and minute indicators. Winding holes for the movement are located on the dial face, positioned above the four and eight o'clock markers. The movement is capable of striking the hours and quarters on a bell.
- Case and Base Construction
- The clock is built upon a rectangular, stepped base finished in ebony. This base is supported by chased ormolu feet. The exterior of the plinth is decorated with fire-gilded ormolu mounts, including leaf-filled tondos at each corner and a central oak leaf garland tied with Louis XVI-style ribbons. The upper surface of the plinth is surfaced with an engraved gold-colored lozenge-patterned ground. Mounted atop the plinth is a sculpture of a standing lion. The lion is depicted looking backward, with the clock movement enclosed within a vase-shaped housing mounted upon its back. The housing is adorned with festoons of laurel leaves, integrating the timepiece into the sculptural form.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The clock bears the inscription "Causard à Paris" on the dial. This is attributed to the clockmaker Georges Causard, who lived from 1738 to 1780. According to the auction records, he attained master status in 1770. The dating of the object to between 1770 and 1780 aligns with the period of Georges Causard's mastership in Paris. Reference to G. H. Baillie’s "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World" is cited in the documentation regarding the maker.
Identification
- Lot Number
- 58
- 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: Movement internal condition not described
- Research required: Authenticity of the signature and attribution to Georges Causard is provided by the auction house