Ormolu and ename clockl, Paris, ca.1855, made by Lévy Frères.

V&A — Summary

This clock was bought at the Paris Exhibition of 1855 for £19 4s 0d. The dancing putti represent the four seasons. In the mid 19th century France saw the emergence of a neo-rococo style with pronounced curves and a surfeit of ornamental motifs. This new rococo style was however symmetrical and so lost much of the exuberance of the 18th century original.

V&A — Physical description

Case of ormolu and enamel, the upper part in the form of a globe enamelled in blue with Roman numerals in gold, surmounted by a winged putto playing the harp with swags on either side; the centre of the dial bears the signature LEVY FRES A PARIS. In front of the globe, four ormolu statuettes of putti represent The Seasons. They are supported by an oval tiered plinth, shaped, moulded and chased, with applied ormolu mounts including central wheatsheafs at the back and front and swags of husks at the side, the plinth is supported by elaborate scrolled feet. The sloping front is inset with two scenes enamelled in blue and white of putti representing Winter and Spring. DIAL consists of gilt Roman numerals I to XII which are applied to the front curved surface of the globe. The hour and minute hands are gilt and formed as the head and tail of a serpent. The winding holes are inside IIII and VIII; the small square for regulation is above the XII. MOVEMENT: The circular movement plates 7.6 cm diameter; the backplate is signed 'Levy Frères à Paris' and bears the punched number 308. The going and striking trains are each powered by a going barrel. The going train to the right has an internal Brocot escapement, steel pallets and an escape whelle of 36T. The Pendulum of overall length 17.8 cm with steel rod screed into a lenticular brass-covered lead bob 3.8 cm diameter, punched with the number 308. Brocot type regulator. The Rack striking tain, gives also a single stroke at the half-hours, sounding on a bell mounted inside the back plate.

V&A — Historical context

The clock was designed for display on a mantelpiece

V&A — Object history

This clock was bought at the Paris 1855 Exhibition for £19 4s 0d.

V&A gallery label

Clock About 1855 Shown at the International Exhibition, Paris, 1855 In the middle of the 19th century the newly revived Rococo style became highly popular throughout Europe. This new Rococo style was, however, symmetrical and so lost much of the fantasy of the 18th-century original, with its asymmetric scrolls and flowers. Here, the dancing putti represent the Four Seasons. France, Paris; manufactured by Lévy Frères Gilded bronze, with enamel Bought at the exhibition for £19 4s

V&A gallery label

Gallery 101, Nineteenth Century Europe 16 Clock About 1855 Shown at the International Exhibition, Paris, 1855 In the middle of the 19th century the newly revived Rococo style became highly popular throughout Europe. This new Rococo style was, however, symmetrical and so lost much of the fantasy of the 18th-century original, with its asymmetric scrolls and flowers. Here, the dancing putti represent the Four Seasons. France, Paris; manufactured by Lévy Frères Gilded bronze, with enamel Bought at the exhibition for £19 4s Museum no. 2650-1856

V&A gallery label

CLOCK Manufacturers: Lévy Frères Paris: about 1855 Gilt bronze and enamel This clock was bought at the Paris 1855 Exhibition for £19 4s. The dancing putti represent the seasons.