Clock

Maker Louis Montjoye I (French, 1729-1815)

Collections

European Decorative Art Highlights

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1770-1780

Mediumgilt bronze, enamel, brass and steel

Dimensions21 x 7 x 7 in. (53.3 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm.)

DescriptionGilt bronze clock with three female figures, the Three Graces, standing atop a round pedestal. The women hold a spherical clock above their heads, on top of which is a seated putto.

SignedMovement is signed on the inside, "Louis Montjoy, Paris."

InscribedLouis Montjoy A Paris engraved on the backplate of the movement Duveen stock number: M.22

MarkingsLouis Montjoy A Paris engraved on the backplate of the movement Duveen stock number: M.22

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

On view

Label TextThe figures holding up the case of this clock represent the Three Graces, goddesses who embodied grace, beauty and charm. Above the clock sits the figure of Cupid, who represents Love. The theme of the clock is, therefore, “Time passing between Love and the Graces.” Cupid’s arrow serves as the clock’s “hand,” indicating the time on the two enameled ring dials, one which indicates the hour, the other, the minute.

Object number27.113