Lot Essay
A design for an almost identical clock attributed to Pierre-Antoine Foullet (matre in 1765), described as Cabinet d'Ebnisterie longue piece de table chinoise and costing 144 livres, featured as No.17 in the Livre de Desseins (H. Ottomeyer, P. Prschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, fig. 3.2.9). The bnisterie of this model of case was not exclusive to Foullet, however, as a closely related clock, traditionally thought to have belonged to the duc de Choiseul, is stamped by Jean Goyer (matre in 1760) (S. Eriksen, Early Neo-Classicism in France, London, 1974, fig.107). Another regulateur, stamped by Franois Goyer and with a dial signed Ridereau Paris, is illustrated in P. Kjellberg, Encyclopdie de la Pendule Franaise du Moyen Age au XXe Sicle, Paris, 1997, p. 307, no. G. The Goyer dynasty specialized in the manufacture of clock cases and Jean is known to have collaborated extensively with his brother-in-law, the marchand-bniste Ren Dubois. With its fashionable 'got Grec' ornament, this case certainly corresponds to Dubois' documented oeuvre and the possibility that these clock-cases may be a result of such a collaboration cannot be dismissed.
A closely related clock was sold anonymously Christie's London, 11 June 1992, lot 113.
A closely related clock was sold anonymously Christie's London, 11 June 1992, lot 113.