Louis XVI travel clock. France, ca. 1790

Louis XVI travel clock. France, ca. 1790.
Gilt bronze.
With date.
Great chiming with two bells at will and repetition at quarter and half hours.
It works. It is possible that the machinery needs to be overhauled.
It does not keep the key.
Measurements: 22 x 14 x 8 cm.

Louis XVI travel clock raised on four lentil feet that support the main case of the clock decorated with laurel wreaths, oak leaves and rosettes on the sides, the latter characteristics of the Louis XVI ornamentation. The piece is crowned by a snake-shaped hilt. Its front houses the large circular enameled dial with Arabic numerals and calendar function. Two strings on the sides allow the striking mechanism to be activated at the owner's request. The back is distinguished by an openwork and chiseled grille.

The bronze table clocks of the 18th century were key pieces in decoration and interior design, as well as symbols of social status and refinement. Elaborately crafted and often adorned with artistic motifs, these clocks not only served to measure time, but also reflected the technical advances and taste for fine craftsmanship of the period. Bronze, a durable and aesthetically appreciated material, allowed the creation of complex and elegant forms, integrating styles such as neoclassical or rococo, which made them highly valued objects in the residences of high society.