Clock

Workshop of David Roentgen German
Movement attributed to Elie Prudhomme German (b. Switzerland)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 553

Its severe architectural form makes the case of this clock as imposing a classical monument. Typical is the use of finely grained mahogany veneered, applied from a single sheet from the frieze at the top down to the base, combined with brass inlay and gilt-bronze mounts. The base, enamel dial with bold roman numerals, and steel hand that indicates the day of the month make it an ideal timepiece for a desktop. Displayed on the rolltop desk with Chinoiserie, its simplicity looks like an anachronism. It is, however, a perfect match when the rolltop is lifted (see ill.). The movement is attributed to Élie Prudhomme, a Moravian clockmaker in Neuwied. The dial is signed Jean Thomas/Petersbourg. Thomas, a Swiss clock maker who lived in Saint Petersburg in the early nineteenth century, may have repaired the movement.

Clock, Workshop of David Roentgen (German, Herrnhaag 1743–1807 Wiesbaden, master 1780), Oak, pine, and mahogany, veneered with mahogany; brass, gilt bronze and enamel, German, Neuwied am Rhein

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