Longcase Clock
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.
