Louis XVI Obelisk Clock, signed Roque à Paris, circa 1780

Obelisk-shaped marble clock with fire-gilt bronze appliqués, relief scene, and a surmounting armillary sphere. The clock rests on a white marble plinth with stylized chain railing and low baluster feet, possibly a recent addition. Signed on the dial: “Roque à Paris.” Enamel dial with Arabic numerals.

Joseph-Léonard Roque (?-after 1789) became a master clockmaker on July 31, 1770. After gaining his mastery, Roque opened his own atelier at the Vieux Louvre. Appointed Horloger du Roi, he specialized in luxury clocks. Several of his clocks entered the royal collections, notably pieces made for Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Marie-Antoinette. One of his clocks was part of the Cabinet intérieur du Roi in Versailles.