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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Bracket clock of gilded and chased bronze

Partially verified

This bracket clock is manufactured from gilded and chased bronze, measuring 69 cm in height, 27.5 cm in width, and 15 cm in depth. The case design is attributed to Jean Joseph de Saint-Germain, with clockwork attributed to the maker Fourrier of Paris. The ensemble includes an enamelled dial by J. Boullé le Jeune, also of Paris. The console features asymmetrical rocaille motifs arranged in a triangular form, supported by corner-placed C-shaped legs. Leaf volutes on the front support the circular dial, while the cresting depicts a crowing rooster and a sun emerging from clouds. The sides incorporate diamond-shaped pierced panels. The clock bears the crowned C hallmark at two locations on the console. It was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1912 with support from the Vereniging Rembrandt.

Bracket clock of gilded and chased bronze with rocaille motifs and a rooster crest.
Bracket clock of gilded and chased bronze with rocaille motifs and a rooster crest. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Jean Joseph de Saint-Germain (attributed)
Reference
BK-NM-12289-3
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12289-3
Source-reported date
ca. 1745 - ca. 1749
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 Construction and Design

The bracket clock is constructed from gilded and chased bronze, featuring an elaborate arrangement of asymmetrical rocaille motifs. The console base is formed in the shape of an equilateral triangle, providing stability for the upper housing. The entire structure rests upon C-shaped legs positioned at the corners, which transition into S-shaped leaf volutes that secure the dial. The sides of the case contain pierced diamond-shaped fillers.

The aesthetic finish is completed by a decorative cresting piece showing a crowing rooster positioned above a representation of the sun emerging from clouds. The bronze surfaces are gilded and textured through chasing processes.

Evidence for this section
  • “De console in de vorm van een gelijkzijdige driehoek vertoont opengewerkte, asymmetrische rocaille-motieven.”
  • “Ter bekroning dient een kraaiende haan en een door de wolken schijnende zon.”

Movement and Dial Components

The timepiece components are attributed to the Parisian maker Fourrier. The dial is made of enamel and features a clear signature, 'FOURRIER A PARIS'. Additional secondary signatures attributed to the same maker appear on the rear movement plate and the dial's mounting plate, though the latter contains an uncertain transcription.

The enamelwork for the dial was produced by J. Boullé le Jeune. The internal spring mechanism features an engraved inscription that includes the name 'Richard' and the number 785, although the legibility remains uncertain.

Evidence for this section
  • “signatuur, op de wijzerplaat, geëmailleerd: ‘FOURRIER A PARIS’”
  • “signatuur, op de achterplaat, gegraveerd: ‘Fourrier AParis’”
  • “inscriptie, op de veer, ingegrift: ‘Richard (?) 785’”

Marks and Documentation

The clock bears evidence of its provenance through stamped marks found on the bronze housing. Specifically, the 'crowned C' mark is identified at two distinct points: once underneath the upper right pierced panel and once on the lower right volute.

Acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1912, the piece is officially recorded under object number BK-NM-12289-3. The acquisition was facilitated by the Vereniging Rembrandt, ensuring its preservation as part of the museum's permanent collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “merk, onder het bovenste opengewerkte paneel rechts, afgeslagen: gekroonde C”
  • “Aankoop met steun van de Vereniging Rembrandt”
  • “Objectnummer BK-NM-12289-3”

Open research questions

  • What is the exact identity of the 'Richard' recorded on the spring?
  • Can the ambiguous inscription on the dial mounting plate be clarified through high-resolution internal inspection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bracket clock of gilded and chased bronze
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean Joseph de Saint-Germain (attributed)“toegeschreven aan Jean Joseph de Saint-Germain”
ClockmakerFourrier“uurwerkmaker: Fourrier, Parijs”
EnamellerJ. Boullé le Jeune“emailleur: J. Boullé, Parijs”
Dimensions69 cm x 27.5 cm x 15 cm“hoogte 69 cm x breedte 27,5 cm x diepte 15 cm”
MaterialGilded bronze and enamel“verguld brons, email”
HallmarkCrowned C“merk, onder het bovenste opengewerkte paneel rechts, afgeslagen: gekroonde C”
Acquisition1912“aankoop 1912”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical rocaille decoration throughout the bronze case.
  • Dial signed 'FOURRIER A PARIS' with enamelled numerals.
  • Crest depicts a crowing rooster and a sunburst motif.
  • C-shaped legs support the main clock housing.

Research qualifications

  • The inscription 'Richard (?) 785' on the spring is partially illegible.
  • The signature 'fourrier a paris (?)' on the dial mounting plate is noted with uncertainty by the repository.

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

Consulted source

Bracket clock of gilded and chased bronze, c. 1745–c. 1749 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12289-3)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d24d81a6e7

Terms in this record

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

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