Neo-classical Clock Circa 1785

Late 18th century clock, signed Josuée Robert & fils & Compagnie in La Chaux de fond, numbered 4643. The enamelled dial indicates the hours, minutes and dates. The base of black Belgian marble is decorated with a carpet of the type of the royal Savonnerie manufacture in front of a superb Athenian with ram's heads. The four facade columns in pure white Carrara marble, in the shape of a quiver, are decorated with garlands of roses which precede the rear pilasters in Spanish brocatelle marble. The terrace is decorated with balusters and two lyres framing the movement surmounted by the statue of a cupid. This work recalls in various details Versailles where Marie-Antoinette had the temple of love erected in 1778 in the English garden of the Petit Trianon in the park of the castle, a place of celebration. Dimensions 67cm x 44cm x 19 cm This very rare model of clock is a superb example of late 18th century art (bronze, gilding, and rare marbles), also associated with one of the great Swiss clockmakers of the period (clockmaker to the King of Prussia).