Louis Quinze Grand Cartel Pendule with Console, sig. Balthazar Lieutaud & Joffroy à Besançon, Mid-18th Century

Large Cartel Clock signed Joffroy of Besançon (clockmaker active around 1760) and Balthazar Lieutaud (ébéniste, 1720–1780) with an enameled dial featuring Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. The elaborate design language of Louis Quinze style is evident throughout. The contoured case, made of fire-gilded bronze adorned with rich rocaille motifs, is crowned with an openwork freeform rocaille design. The surfaces are intricately detailed, contrasting with delicate vine leaves and flowers marquetry crafted from various metals. The case opens on the sides.

The console is designed to correspond with the clock, completing the dynamic effect of the clock’s tapering form in its lower half. 

Dimensions of the clock (without the console): 77 x 36 x 17 cm.

Console dimensions: 30 x 45 x 23 cm.

For similar pieces, see: Pierre Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la Pendule française, Paris 1997, pp. 82f.