Late 18th C. French Louis XVI Style Obelisk Mantel Clock, c. 1790

Lot description — Market Auctions

French Louis XVI Style Obelisk Mantel Clock, circa 1790–1800 White marble and gilt bronze (ormolu) Height 14½ in. (36.8 cm); Width 7 in. (17.8 cm) Of neoclassical design, this elegant Louis XVI-style mantel clock takes the rare and distinguished form of an obelisk, a motif inspired by the rediscovery of ancient Egyptian monuments during the late eighteenth century. The white marble case is surmounted by a gilt-bronze finial and bordered by a delicate beaded molding. The circular white enamel dial with Arabic numerals is enclosed within a finely chased gilt-bronze bezel, set against the tapering marble body richly adorned with a finely cast gilt-bronze mount of trophées d’amour—including a bow, quiver, and wreath tied with a ribbon bow—symbolizing love and triumph. The clock rests on a stepped plinth base decorated with a running laurel-leaf frieze and supported on small toupie feet. This piece reflects the late eighteenth-century fascination with antiquity and the geometric purity celebrated by the Louis XVI period’s neoclassical refinement. Comparable examples were produced by renowned Parisian clockmakers and bronziers such as Jean-André Lepaute and Claude Galle, whose works embodied the union of sculptural bronze and pristine marble so favored under the Ancien Régime and early Directoire. Condition : Front bronze mount loose; missing some bronze mounts; cracked glass on back; sold as is. Not guaranteed to be in working condition. Minor wear and age-appropriate patina throughout. Have a similar item to sell? Contact us at info@marketauctionsinc.com Please review all photos closely. The non-appearance of a condition report does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition, does not show wear due to age and use, or is free from damage. Market Auctions Inc. strongly suggests that you request a condition report before placing a bid. You may request one from us via this auction platform. Please note that any condition reports are given as strictly as a courtesy to interested parties and should not be considered a statement of fact. Market Auctions Inc. bears no responsibility for any error or omission. All sales are final and sold as is. Measurements are approximated. Please note shipping is not included. All collectibles, silver, antiques, and paintings please contact our third party shipper listed below: Juniors Auction Services 561-510-0345 / juniorsauctionservices@gmail.com UPS Store 1226 (561) 835-9791 / store1226@theupsstore.com For furniture and very large items, please contact an appropriate freight / transport company for shipment. SALES TAX NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Market Auction, Inc., only collects and remits sales tax on items purchased by Florida residents. ALL OUT OF STATE purchasers are required to pay sales tax to their respective States. Purchasers holding valid resale certificates must provide proof of same prior to purchase. Market Auctions, Inc. takes no responsibility for purchaser failure to remit sales tax to the proper non-Florida taxing authority and for any fines or penalties that may result.