247 - Clock

Clock made of chiseled bronze, gilded and patinated. At its center is a fluted column topped by an antique-style vase. The dial, adorned with a laurel garland, is flanked by four vases decorated with Greek fret patterns. The lower section features rounded corners chiseled with azure patterns and a post frieze. The counterbase is made of blackened wood with laurel garlands. By Jean-Baptiste Osmond (1742–c. 1790) Louis XVI period. H 44 W 27 D 21 cm Jean-Baptiste Osmond was admitted as a master founder on June 7, 1764. This clock is characteristic of the work of Robert and his nephew Jean-Baptiste Osmond(1). The Osmonds, creators of this “Greek-style” model, were influenced by Neoclassical ornamentalists, particularly Jean-Charles Delafosse. The model we are presenting is notable for being, in all likelihood, one of the first examples produced in the “new style.” Indeed, the Osmonds, who owned the rights to their designs, would add cherubs representing study and science with their respective attributes, as well as urns or vases in the classical style. This fluted column design can be found in the *Recueil de desseins. Modèles de pendules, 1755–1780* (2). Among the models illustrating this fluted column design are the piece housed at the Royal Palace in Stockholm (3) and another at Petworth House. Another example is reproduced in “L’Encyclopédie de la Pendule Française” (4). (1) *Vergoldete Bronzen*, H. Ottomeyer and Peter Proschel, Munich, 1986. “Die Osmond, ein Familienbetrieb und seine Produktion” by R. de l’Espée. (2) INHA Library (Doucet Collection) (3) National Trust No. 485686, reproduced in *Apollo*, September 2008, p. 63, pl. 5. (4) by Pierre Kjellberg, p. 185.