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Longcase Clock

 (French, ca. 1640–1714)
Dateca. 1677
MediumEbony, turtle shell, and oak
Dimensions88 x 15 13/16 x 7 7/8 in. (223.5 x 40.2 x 20 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Winthrop Kellogg Edey, 1999
Accession number1999.5.143
Commentary

For the English, the creation of the clock’s movement was of primary interest while the French gave increasing importance to the case. This one was likely made by André-Charles Boulle, one of the greatest cabinetmakers of all time. Appointed ebéniste du roi (royal cabinet­maker) by Louis XIV in 1672, he had the privilege of working in one of the Palace of the Louvre workshops, which had been created by Henry IV for use by the most favored artists employed by the crown. This daily exposure to the leading artists and craftsmen of the time provided unparalleled intellectual stimulation and encouraged fruitful collaborations. For example, the gilt-bronze mount of Cronus found on this dial and on other early clocks by Boulle is thought to have been modeled by François Girardon, the great sculptor of Versailles.

Source: Vignon, Charlotte. The Frick Collection Decorative Arts Handbook. New York: The Frick Collection/Scala, 2015.

Not On View
Front view of Boulle Kneehole Desk with marquetry of pewter, gilt brass and tortoiseshell and l…
Workshop of André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1692−95, with later alterations ca. 1770 (before 1777)
Writing Table with Tendril Marquetry of Tortoiseshell
André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1710, with later alterations
Commode with Tendril Marquetry (One of a Pair)
After André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1820−50
Commode with Tendril Marquetry (One of a Pair)
After André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1820−50
Front view of Barometer Clock with Boulle marquetry consisting of inlaid tortoiseshell, pewter,…
André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1690–1700
Octagonal Pedestal with Tendril Marquetry of Tortoiseshell and Brass  (One of a Pair)
Attributed to André-Charles Boulle
after 1686−1715, with possible late 18th century modifications
Octagonal Pedestal with Tendril Marquetry of Tortoiseshell and Brass  (One of a Pair)
Attributed to André-Charles Boulle
after 1686−1715, with possible late 18th century modifications
Front view of Mantel Clock, consisting of a luxurious mix of materials, including a gilt bronze…
Attributed to André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1675
Cabinet with Pictorial and Tendril Marquetry of Tortoiseshell, Brass, Pewter, and Ebony (One of…
After André-Charles Boulle
19th century
Cabinet with Pictorial and Tendril Marquetry of Tortoiseshell, Brass, Pewter, and Ebony (One of…
After André-Charles Boulle
19th century
Commode with six drawers, gilt bronze mounts, and Trellis Parquetry
Attributed to André-Charles Boulle
ca. 1710, with later alterations
Front view of Tête de Poupée Clock inlaid with a lavish Boulle marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewt…
Balthazar Martinot II
ca. 1680–90
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