Extraordinary Antique Mantel Clock in Boulle Marquetry. France, 1870

Gorgeous antique mantel clock with Boulle marquetry, made in France and dated in 1870. This is a really imposing piece: it is a big-size item and is perfectly restored. The clock is also in perfect working order: the movement has been carefully cleaned and fine-tuned. The case is completely covered of beautiful natural boulle marquetery. Moreover, the case is embellished with many ormolu details that make a wonderful contrast with the boulle. Crowning the clock we can see a beautiful figure, also in gilded bronze, representing the time to come, a child angel carrying a scythe in one hand and an sand clock in the other (the time that goes by). The case shows side and frontal openings closed with glass panes that make it possible to see the magnificent inside of the clock, which is covered by marquetry decorated plates too. The base is especially remarkable as it imitates a tile floor with a fake perspective effect. At the top of the clock we can see the ormolu-and-porcelain spectacular dial with ultramarine Roman numerals. The Louis XV hands are made of black metal. One of the clocks sides is actually a small door with a lock and a key in working order. At the back of the case, another door makes it possible to reach the clocks movement. Every lover of old-time clocks will find a real treasure in this antique mantel clock with Boulle marquetry, a piece as beautiful as stately. Measurements: Width: 15.2 in / 38 cm. Cases Height: 26 in / 65 cm. Total Height: 34 in / 85 cm. Depth: 6 in / 15 cm. 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.