This lot will be sold under the Alpha scheme. If … Read more

AN UNUSUAL LOUIS XVI BLACK AND WHITE MARBLE, ORMOLU AND BISCUIT PORCELAIN-MOUNTED STRIKING PORTICO CLOCK

LEPAUTE, PARIS, CIRCA 1780

Details

AN UNUSUAL LOUIS XVI BLACK AND WHITE MARBLE, ORMOLU AND BISCUIT PORCELAIN-MOUNTED STRIKING PORTICO CLOCK
LEPAUTE, PARIS, CIRCA 1780
The case modelled in the chinoiserie taste, with biscuit porcelain figure of a Chinaman flanked by leaf-entwined columns surmounted by stylised pagoda finials topped by banners and with chains to the drum clock case, above plinth with pierced ormolu gallery and chain-linked pillars, resting on eight ormolu toupie feet, the white enamel Arabic dial with dot minute track and signed in crimson 'Lepaute a Paris', with pierced and engraved ormolu hands, the eight day movement with four back-pinned pillars, twin barrels and anchor escapement with silk suspension, countwheel strike on bell; mask pendulum, winding key
22 in. (56 cm.) high; 16 in. (41 cm.) wide; 7½ in. (19 cm.) deep

Special notice

This lot will be sold under the Alpha scheme. If you are an EU Purchaser, there is effectively no change: VAT is charged at 17.5% on the buyer''s premium ONLY on a VAT inclusive basis. VAT is accounted for under the auctioneer''s margin scheme. If you are a non-EU Purchaser: VAT, at 17.5%, will be payable on both the hammer price and the buyer''s premium. VAT on the hammer will be refunded upon receipt of export documentation by the VAT department. Non-EU trading businesses can receive a further VAT refund on the buyer''s premium directly from HM Revenue and Customs.

Lot Essay

The Lepaute dynasty of clockmakers started in 1740 when Jean-Andre Lepaute (1720-1788) went to Paris to become a clockmaker, followed in 1747 by his brother Jean-Baptiste (1727-1802). The latter took over the business in 1774, at which time it was in Palais-Royal, moving to Rue des Echelle St. Honoré 1778-1783. Jean-Baptiste retired in 1789, giving way to his two nephews.
The 'portico' design was used frequently on clocks in the Louis XVI period, with a number of designs being used. Eagle or military finials were popular but chinoiserie motifs and figures are found far less frequently.

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