Leroy & Cie Louis XVI-Style Annular Clock
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Famed French clockmaker Leroy & Cie created this exceptional annular clock
Key Features
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- This rare and delightful Louis XVI-style clock was crafted by the famed L. Leroy & Cie
- Crafted of exquisite Carrera marble, this urn-form timepiece is an annular dial clock
- Luxurious doré bronze ornaments include Cupid gesturing to the chapter dials
- The hour chapter ring is signed "L. Leroy & Cie/Paris"
- Circa 1880
- Clock with pedestal: 16 1/2" square x 68 1/2" high
Item Details
- Width:
16 1/2 Inches - Height:
68 1/2 Inches - Depth:
16 1/2 Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
France
Cupid himself indicates the time on this superb Louis XVI-style annular dial clock by L. Leroy & Cie. Sculpted of the finest Carrera marble, this elegant timepiece takes the form of an urn, upon which rotating chapter rings count the minutes and hours, replacing hands. This Neoclassical design also incorporates symbolic elements, from the pinecone finial and snake handles to the helmet and shield of the goddess Minerva, all crafted of doré bronze of the highest caliber. Set atop a matching pedestal, this piece exemplifies the French clock-making expertise of the 19th century. L. Leroy & Cie., who were well-established horologists in Paris during the second half of the 19th century, created some of the finest quality clocks of the day, many with highly complicated movements. This is believed to be the only annular dial clock still on its original Carrera marble base.
The hour chapter ring is signed "L. Leroy & Cie/ Paris"
Circa 1880
Clock with pedestal: 16 1/2" square x 68 1/2" high
Early styles of timekeeping spheres and rotating chapter rings were first used in German Crucifix clocks. They became most popular at the height of Louis XVI's reign (1774-1789), when Marie Antoinette chose them to be her clocks of preference. Similar examples to this clock can be seen today at the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1751, Basile Leroy founded Leroy & Cie in Paris. Among his first timepieces were elegant table watches and clocks engraved and decorated in the finest French tradition. Throughout the 18th century and into the 19th century, a Leroy timepiece was considered a rare and precious possession, one coveted by royalty. In fact, the brand supplied timepieces to such rulers as Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and countless others. The company also enjoyed appointments as watchmaker to rulers abroad, such as the Queen of Spain, the King of Belgium, the King of Portugal and their Royal Highnesses of Wales. Leroy has also excelled in technical advancements for centuries. In 1766, Pierre Leroy conquered problems of timing at sea and presented King Louis XV with a chronometer timepiece that won him the appointment of Watchmaker to the French Navy.
References:
Les Belles le Plus Pendules Françaises Dans le Monde, 1994, Tardy
On Identifying and Appraising Clocks, 1991, Martha Tips
Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, 1999, Derek Roberts
The hour chapter ring is signed "L. Leroy & Cie/ Paris"
Circa 1880
Clock with pedestal: 16 1/2" square x 68 1/2" high
Early styles of timekeeping spheres and rotating chapter rings were first used in German Crucifix clocks. They became most popular at the height of Louis XVI's reign (1774-1789), when Marie Antoinette chose them to be her clocks of preference. Similar examples to this clock can be seen today at the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1751, Basile Leroy founded Leroy & Cie in Paris. Among his first timepieces were elegant table watches and clocks engraved and decorated in the finest French tradition. Throughout the 18th century and into the 19th century, a Leroy timepiece was considered a rare and precious possession, one coveted by royalty. In fact, the brand supplied timepieces to such rulers as Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and countless others. The company also enjoyed appointments as watchmaker to rulers abroad, such as the Queen of Spain, the King of Belgium, the King of Portugal and their Royal Highnesses of Wales. Leroy has also excelled in technical advancements for centuries. In 1766, Pierre Leroy conquered problems of timing at sea and presented King Louis XV with a chronometer timepiece that won him the appointment of Watchmaker to the French Navy.
References:
Les Belles le Plus Pendules Françaises Dans le Monde, 1994, Tardy
On Identifying and Appraising Clocks, 1991, Martha Tips
Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, 1999, Derek Roberts
