Louis XV Clock, 1750s Paris Ormolu & Patinated, Pendule à lÉléphant; by Godefroy

Description

A remarkable example of mid-1700's French horology, this Louis XV period Pendule à l’Éléphant showcases the technical mastery and playful elegance characteristic of the Rococo era in Paris. Crafted in patinated bronze and exquisite mercury-gilded bronze (Bronze Doré), the clock vividly illustrates the luxurious craftsmanship favored by the elite of 18th-century France. At the heart of this ornate timepiece is a finely cast elephant, rendered in deep patinated bronze, supporting an elaborately decorated drum-shaped case finished in striking red-japanning. Atop the case, a charming gilt bronze monkey delicately holds a parasol—an imaginative and whimsical element emblematic of Singerie, the playful Rococo motif depicting monkeys mimicking human behaviors, immensely popular during the reign of Louis XV. The glazed enamel dial is elegantly signed "Godefroy à Paris," denoting the craftsmanship of Jean-Baptiste Godefroy, a distinguished Parisian clockmaker renowned for his precision and artistry. The movement is signed "Cailly." Godefroy notably served as Horloger Ordinaire du Duc d’Orléans from 1739 to 1752, placing him among the premier artisans associated with the French aristocracy. The Duc d’Orléans, a Prince of the blood, presided over one of France’s most refined and influential courts, ensuring the highest caliber of craftsmanship was employed in pieces commissioned under his patronage. This clock's superb ormolu mounts, created through the historically significant mercury-gilding technique, offer an unmatched depth and luminosity. The process, involving the careful application of gold amalgam heated to evaporate mercury, produced finishes of extraordinary brilliance, though the method was eventually outlawed in the 19th century due to its severe health risks. The gilt bronze base is intricately modeled with scrolling rocaille motifs and naturalistic foliage, capturing the exuberance and refinement of Rococo tastes. The rich decorative themes, exotic subject matter, and luxurious materials speak eloquently to the period's fascination with theatrical design and distant lands. Provenance: Exhibited: New York, Five Centuries of French History, 1939, no.187, p.68. Anonymous sale, Ader, Picard, Tajan, Palais Galliera, Paris, 25 March 1969, lot 27. Formerly from the Collection of Monsieur and Madame Riahi; sold Christie's, New York, 2 November 2000. Literature: J.-D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Paris, 1996, p.198, fig.159 (Collection D. Riahi). F.M. Ricci, Quelques chefs-d'œuvre de La Collection Djanguir Riahi, Paris, 2000, pp.205-209 (illustrated). Signed, meticulously preserved, and historically significant, this Pendule à l’Éléphant is both an exceptional collector’s piece and a rare artifact reflecting the grandeur and sophistication of 18th-century French decorative arts. Dimensions: Height: 15½ in. (39.5 cm) Width: 12¼ in. (31 cm) Depth: 7 in. (18 cm)

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