Wall Clock

c. 1735–40

An exuberant example of the French Rococo style, this sculptural wall clock epitomizes the extravagant era of Louis XV (r. 1715–74). Festooned with ormolu (gilt bronze) swirls and floral swags, the clock required the collaboration of numerous specialized artisans. Opulent clocks such as this did more than tell time; they dazzled the eye with dramatic scenes and delighted the ear with music.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

Case by Jean-Pierre Latz (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1691–1754) Clockwork by Francis Bayley (active Austrian Netherlands [now Belgium], mid-1700s) Case: Paris; clock: Ghent, Flanders, Austrian Netherlands (now Belgium)

Date

c. 1735–40

Medium

Oak, tortoiseshell, kingwood, brass, gilded bronze, and glass

Dimensions

147.3 × 64.8 × 53.3 cm (58 × 25 1/4 × 21 in.)

Origin

France

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Ada Turnbull Hertle Fund