The white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, contained within a cartouche-shaped case surmounted by a star, rocks and C-scrolls, flanked by acanthus leaves, the base cast with a winged cupid in a chariot pulled by two pigeons riding on clouds symbolizing the triumph of love. The Cartel clock is based on a design by the bronzemaker Philippe Caffieri (1714-1774). Philippe went into partnership with his father Jacques Caffieri in 1747 and then succeeded his father as sculpteur-ciseleur ordinaire du roi (Sculptor and Bronze Caster to the King) in 1755. The Caffieris worked extensively for the French court, producing gilt bronze wall lights, firedogs, and clocks for the palaces of Versailles and Compiègne; Philippe also produced pieces for the royal court of Poland. Among his most important works was an altar set designed for the cathedral of Nôtre-Dame in Paris; this disappeared when the church was pillaged during the French Revolution.
See Kjellberg, Pierre: Encyclopédie de la pendule francaise, Paris 1997, p. 101 fig. B. Our clockwork first half of the 19th century.
Condition. Very good, wear consistent with age and use – detailed condition report on request
