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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Bouchet Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock, held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 59.208.80), is attributed to the maker Bouchet and dates to the early 19th century. The clock is constructed from gilt bronze and measures approximately 22 7/8 by 15 1/2 by 9 inches. Its design features an elaborate sculptural top component depicting two figures beneath an arch, set atop a rectangular case housing the dial. The base is supported by detailed lion-form feet. The dial itself contains Roman numerals and is centrally mounted within the front face, which is decorated with relief work showing palm trees and figures. The piece is part of the Gift of the Estate of James Hazen Hyde, acquired by the museum in 1959. It is documented as a horological object within the institution's online records.

Front view of the gilt bronze figural mantel clock, showing the dial, decorative base, and sculptural crown.
Front view of the gilt bronze figural mantel clock, showing the dial, decorative base, and sculptural crown. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of Estate of James Hazen Hyde, 1959. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Bouchet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
59.208.80
Source-reported date
early 19th century
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Decorative Elements

The exterior of the clock is crafted from gilt bronze, displaying a significant amount of decorative detail. The main housing is a rectangular block that frames the white enamel clock dial, which features Roman numerals. The lower portion of the case is set upon four feet shaped as recumbent lions.

The decorative program includes a central relief panel on the case front featuring palm trees, a dog, and figures. The upper section of the clock is crowned by a sculptural arrangement comprising a male and female figure standing together beneath a sweeping arched form that mirrors their pose.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material Gilt bronze”
  • “The museum record gives material recorded as Gilt bronze”

Documentation and Attribution

The object is catalogued by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 59.208.80. The institution attributes the work to the maker Bouchet. The object was received into the museum's collection as part of the Gift of the Estate of James Hazen Hyde in 1959.

The record categorizes the piece simply as a clock and assigns an early 19th-century date to its production. This documentation is derived directly from the museum's internal collection database.

Evidence for this section
  • “Museum object number 59.208.80”
  • “Gift of Estate of James Hazen Hyde, 1959”
  • “maker recorded: Bouchet”

Physical Specifications

The physical dimensions of the clock are documented as 22 7/8 inches in height, 15 1/2 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth. These measurements are provided as overall values by the museum.

The classification of the item is under the department of horology. There are no additional details regarding the internal clockwork, escapement, or signature placements provided in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overall: 22 7/8 × 15 1/2 × 9 in. (58.1 × 39.4 × 22.9 cm)”
  • “Museum classification Horology”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the internal clock movement housed within the bronze case?
  • Are there any further markings or signatures from the maker 'Bouchet' located on the back or internal plates of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bouchet Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBouchet“maker recorded: Bouchet”
Dateearly 19th century“early 19th century”
MaterialGilt bronze“Material Gilt bronze”
Dimensions22 7/8 × 15 1/2 × 9 in.“Overall: 22 7/8 × 15 1/2 × 9 in. (58.1 × 39.4 × 22.9 cm)”
Accession Number59.208.80“Museum object number 59.208.80”

Visible details

  • The clock features a figural group on top sheltered by an arched element.
  • The base is supported by four distinctive lion sculptures.
  • The dial is marked with Roman numerals.
  • The case front displays relief carvings of palm trees and human figures.

Research qualifications

  • The specific horological mechanism housed within the gilt bronze case is not described in the provided record.
  • The identification of the maker as 'Bouchet' is based on the museum's institutional record, with no additional biographical context provided.

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

Consulted source

Clock, Bouchet, early 19th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2ff03654a2

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records