Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cartel d'applique

Bastien a Paris Gilt-Bronze Cartel d'Applique

Partially verified

This cartel d'applique is constructed from chiseled and gilt bronze. The clock features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, signed "BASTIEN A PARIS". The movement is signed "Bastien AParis". The bronze case is configured with a figure of a goddess at the top and cherubs positioned among clouds in the lower section. The object stands 57 cm high and 24 cm wide. The case design is associated with a model originally drafted in 1728 by the marquis Henri-Camille de Beringhen. The provenance and historical context provided relate to the design model, noting that such cartel models were reproduced by Nicolas Le Sueur. The current example contains a movement by Bastien, rather than the original movement attributed to Julien II le Roy.

Front view of the Bastien gilt-bronze cartel d'applique clock.
Front view of the Bastien gilt-bronze cartel d'applique clock. — Artcurial (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Cartel d'applique
Maker / attribution
Bastien
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
255
Source-reported date
18th century
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The cartel d'applique is fashioned from chiseled and gilded bronze. Its ornamentation centers on a figurative theme, incorporating a goddess at the summit of the housing and cherub figures integrated into the lower section, depicted amidst cloud-like forms.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays a traditional layout with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. It bears the signature "BASTIEN A PARIS" directly on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “En bronze ciselé et doré, le cadran émaillé blanc signé « BASTIEN A PARIS »”
  • “le mouvement signé "Bastien AParis" inscrit dans un boîtier surmonté d'une figure de déesse, la partie basse animée d'angelots parmi des nuées”

Design Context and Provenance

The auction documentation identifies the object as a model dating to the period of Louis XV. The aesthetic and structural layout of the housing follows a design originating in 1728, attributed to the marquis Henri-Camille de Beringhen.

While historical records link this specific model to commissions involving Nicolas Le Sueur and horologist Julien II le Roy, the source clarifies that various cartels were produced using this housing with movements supplied by different makers. The current lot features a movement signed by Bastien.

Evidence for this section
  • “Le modèle de ce cartel fut dessiné en 1728 par le marquis Henri-Camille de Beringhen”
  • “Plusieurs cartels similaires sont ainsi aujourd'hui répertoriés présentant des mouvements fournis par des horlogers différents”

Condition Reporting

The auction description provides a specific condition note regarding the ornamental integrity of the bronze case. A structural element that belongs in the hand of the goddess figure at the top of the clock is currently absent.

No further information regarding the mechanical state of the movement or the integrity of the enamel dial is provided in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “un élément dans la main de la déesse manquant”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific date of manufacture for this Bastien-signed example?
  • Does the movement retain its original suspension and escapement components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bastien a Paris Gilt-Bronze Cartel d'Applique
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBastien“le cadran émaillé blanc signé « BASTIEN A PARIS », le mouvement signé "Bastien AParis”
Height57 cm“H. : 57 cm (22 ½ in.)”
Width24 cm“l. : 24 cm (9 ½ in.)”
MaterialGilt bronze“En bronze ciselé et doré”
ConditionMissing element in goddess hand“un élément dans la main de la déesse manquant”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial features Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute numerals.
  • The case includes a top figure of a goddess and cherub figures in the lower section.
  • The clock hands are open-work gilded metal.

Research qualifications

  • An element is missing from the hand of the goddess figure on the case.
  • The relationship between this specific movement by Bastien and the historical 1728 design model is not explicitly defined in the provided text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTEL D'APPLIQUE D’ÉPOQUE LOUIS XV

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 0274343cf4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.