LATE 18TH CENTURY

Six models of barometer can confidently be attributed to André-Charles Boulle, based on comparison with his known clock models (J.N. Ronfort, 'André-Charles Boulle: die Bronzearbeiten und seine Werkstatt im Louvre', Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. II, p. 509). This particular model, known as a barometre a Gaine, is inspired by the work of Jean Bérain (ibid, fig. 1.5.1.). Ronfort knew of only two examples of this model - albeit without the figure of Old Father Time seated beneath the dial - one in the Jones Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (acc. no. 1120-1882; ibid, vol. I, p. 49, fig. 1.5.4.) and another sold anonymously in Paris, Palais Galliera, 12 June 1973, lot 51; a further Louis XVI example of the same model without Father Time was formerly in the Wildenstein Collection from 1929 until sold Christie's, London, 16 December 2005, lot 223 (£38,400). The figure of Chronos or Father Time seated beneath the dial can also be found on clocks attributed to Boulle.