366 - Joseph-Marie REVEL (?–1811)

Joseph-Marie REVEL (?–1811) A CLOCK known as the “Yorktown Clock,” shaped like an obelisk, made of white marble and chiseled, gilded bronze, decorated with friezes of pearls, drapery, and trimmings, as well as trophies of arms featuring quivers, armor, shields, an eagle, and beaded laurel branches, and topped by an eagle with outstretched wings. The sides are adorned with chains holding black marble cannonballs. The circular enameled dial features Arabic numerals for the hours and quarters and is signed “Revel” in Paris. The rectangular base rests on four spindle-shaped feet. Late 18th century Height: 52.5 cm; Width: 17.5 cm; Depth: 12 cm (damage) Note: A similar model is housed at the Petit Palais, the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts (inventory no. ODUT1422) and signed “Revel.” It is also reproduced in Pierre KJELLBERG’s book, *Encyclopédie de la pendule française* (Éditions de l’Amateur) on page 220. The design of our clock commemorates the decisive Franco-American victory at Yorktown in 1781 during the American War of Independence. The historical and aesthetic success of this allegorical model inspired other leading clockmakers of the era to create similar variations, such as Edmé-Phillibert Guydamour (1756–1799).