Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
This neoclassical mantel clock is constructed from grey veined marble and ormolu (gilt-bronze). The clock features a central circular dial with Arabic numerals, signed "Schmit" and "Paris," set between two marble columns decorated with gilt-bronze mounts.
The top of the clock case is surmounted by a gilt figure of Athena, who holds a shield bearing a depiction of Medusa. The clock stands on a rectangular marble base, adorned with additional gilt-bronze foliage and geometric motifs. Pendulum decoration includes a central classical profile framed by multi-colored details. The movement is visible from the rear, which shows the brass bell and mechanical components. The maker, Jean-Nicolas Schmit, attained the status of master clockmaker (maître-horloger) in August 1781.
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
- Late 18th century
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Depth
- 6 1/8 inches
- Maker
- Jean-Nicolas Schmit
- Width
- 15 7/8 inches
- Height
- 21 3/8 inches
- Materials
- Marble and ormolu
- Place recorded
- France
- Master status date
- August 1781
- Maker / attribution
- Jean-Nicolas Schmit
Design
- Case and Design
- The clock is designed in the neoclassical style, utilizing grey-veined marble as the primary structural material. It is anchored by a rectangular base and two flanking columns, which are embellished with gilt-bronze mounts. These decorative elements include lyre forms on the pedestal bases and lion-head masks integrated into the upper portions of the columns. A central circular dial, finished in white with Arabic numerals, is suspended between the columns. The composition is finished at the summit with a gilt-bronze figure of the goddess Athena, who is depicted wearing classical attire and holding a shield decorated with the head of Medusa.
- Visible features
- • Arabic numerals on a white dial • Gilt-bronze lyre-shaped motifs on column pedestals • Pendulum features a central portrait with blue, red, and white detailing • Visible brass bell on the rear of the movement
- Maker and History
- Records indicate he was formally admitted as a master clockmaker (maître-horloger) in August 1781. The auction description provides the physical measurements of the clock, listing the width at 15 7/8 inches, the depth at 6 1/8 inches, and the height at 21 3/8 inches. The report notes that there is no documentation regarding the item's maintenance or mechanical condition.
- Movement and Dial
- The dial of the clock features Arabic numerals and is inscribed with the signature of Jean-Nicolas Schmit along with the city of origin, Paris. The time is indicated by gilt hands. Access for winding is provided through two ports located on the dial face. The rear of the clock exposes the mechanical movement, featuring a brass bell, which serves as part of the striking mechanism. A pendulum, visible through the space between the columns, incorporates a classical portrait encircled by colorful details in red, blue, and white.
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: The source notes that details regarding service history or mechanical function are not provided.
- Research required: The source clarifies that attribution and historical information are based on dealer descriptions and lack independent expert verification.