Antique Mantel Clock with Boulle Marquetry. France, Circa 1870

Gorgeous antique mantel clock with Boulle-style marquetry decoration and ormolu details. The clock comes from France, where it was manufactured in the late 19th century (circa 1870). It shows off an excellent condition: it has carefully restored in order to regain the amazing look that we can appreciate in the images. Its classic and charming design adds to the high-quality materials it is made of: the ebony-finish wooden box, the brass and tortoiseshell marquetry work and the delicate ormolu details. The clocks movement chimes the hours and the halves on a bell, combining its wonderful sound with the impressive design of the piece. The clock mounts a 7-day Paris movement signed by the clockmakers Vicent & Cie. It also bears a mark indicating that the company was awarded the Silver Medal in the Universal Exhibition which took place in Paris in 1855. The box shows off a fine wavy shape; its front side is decorated with an amazing Boulle-style marquetry work, in amazing condition. The porcelain dial bears blue Roman numerals and mounts Louis-XV ormolu hands; it is perfectly preserved too. At the top right corner of the box we can appreciate two small lumps in the wood veneer, almost imperceptible and which in no way affect the beautiful look of this antique clock. Bound to shine on a stylish sideboard or an imposing mantelpiece, this amazing antique mantel clock with Boulle marquetry stands out for its beauty and excellent working order. Measurements: Width: 7.87 in / 20 cm. Height: 14.56 in / 37 cm.History of André-Charles Boulle André-Charles Boulle (11 November 1642 28 February 1732) was a French cabinetmaker generally considered to be the most preeminent artist in the field of marquetry. Christened by his contemporaries as "the most skillful artisan in Paris," André-Charles Boulle's name is synonymous with the practice of veneering furniture with marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewter, and brass. Although he did not invent the technique, Boulle was its greatest practitioner and lent his name to its common name: boulle work. Boulle also specialized in floral marquetry in both stained and naturally colored wood. Many of his designs are illustrated in a published around 1720: Nouveaux dessins de meubles et ouvrages de bronze et de marqueterie. Before 1666 Boulle was awarded the title of Master Cabinetmaker; in 1672 the king granted him the royal privilege of lodging in the Palais du Louvre. In the same year, he achieved the title of Cabinetmaker and Sculptor to Louis XIV, king of France. This new title allowed him to produce furniture as well as works in gilt bronze such as chandeliers, wall lights, and mounts. Boulles works can be found in the Palace of Versailles, the Chantilly Castle, the Cheverny Castle, the Louvre Museum, the Wallace Collection and the Royal Collection in London and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.