Louis XVI Magic Lantern mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1780
This Louis XVI period mantel clock, dated by the dealer to circa 1780, is crafted in bronze and depicts a magic lantern theme. The central rectangular clock case rests on a pedestal with an architectural lantern-style chimney finial, flanked by sculpted figures of a showman leaning against the case and an assistant or child.
The circular white enamel dial features Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute markings, and a winding aperture near the six o'clock position. The clock assembly is set upon a plinth incorporating a pierced gilt balustrade and a white marble base supported by turned feet.
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 1780
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Style
- Louis 16th, Directory
- Height
- 38 cm
- Material
- Bronze
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • The central bronze clock case is shaped like a magic lantern projector with a top chimney-like cap. • A white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for hours and Arabic five-minute numerals along the outer perimeter. • A winding aperture is visible in the lower dial sector near the six o'clock mark. • The sculpted figures depict an adult showman on the right leaning on the lantern housing and a child figure on the left holding an object. • The stepped base features a pierced gilt-bronze gallery and a white marble plinth resting on turned toupie feet. • Two flanking gilt candlesticks shown in the image are display items not described as part of the clock lot.
- Dial and Movement Details
- The clock displays time via a white enamel dial set into the central housing. Direct observation notes black Roman numerals for the hours, outer Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals, and a winding aperture located in the lower sector near the six o'clock position. Technical movement specifications—such as escapement, caliber, or maker signatures—are not recorded in the source. The dealer notes only that "The movement has been checked and cleaned by my watch restorer."
- Attribution and Literature Reference
- The source classifies the piece as an "Extremely rare Louis XVI magic lantern clock" under "Style: Louis 16th, Directory" and dates it to "Circa 1780" within the 18th century. Its listed height is 38 cm. For comparative reference, the listing cites literature: "See the Encyclopedia of the French Clock by Pierre Kjellberg, Paris 1997, p.277". No specific maker, foundry mark, or provenance details are recorded in the dealer's text.
- Composition and Sculptural Iconography
- The mantel clock is listed in bronze and styled around a magic lantern theme. Visible examination shows that the central clock case takes the form of a magic lantern projector fitted with a chimney-like cap at the top. The case is flanked by two sculpted figures: an adult showman on the right leaning against the lantern housing and a child figure on the left holding an object. The stepped base incorporates a pierced gilt-bronze gallery and a white marble plinth resting on turned toupie feet. In dealer photography, two flanking gilt candlesticks appear alongside the clock; these are display items not described as part of the clock lot.
Identification
- Reference
- 1449153
- Inventory Number
- Inv.No.4.001
- 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: The two candlesticks flanking the clock in the photograph appear to be props rather than part of the clock lot.
- Research required: Maker, movement caliber, and escapement details are unrecorded in the source, though the movement is stated to have been cleaned and checked.