Case Carving and Visual Composition
The clock case is constructed in dark carved wood measuring 52 cm high. Visual observation reveals the case framed by two tree trunks surmounted by oak foliage, positioned on an arched plinth base carved with foliage and scrollwork. Emerging directly beneath the dial is a carved hunter holding a gun, accompanied by a hunting dog stepping out from the undergrowth.
Above the dial are two carved wooden doors adorned with oak leaves. Although depicted closed in the lot photograph, the auction catalogue states that these doors open to reveal two automaton birds: a quail on the left and a cuckoo on the right. Both birds are described in the source as painted in naturalistic hues and mounted on wooden bases.
Evidence for this section
- “Dark carved wooden case framed by two tree trunks surmounted by oak foliage.”
- “Carved hunter holding a gun with a hunting dog depicted below the dial.”
- “Twin carved wooden doors above the dial.”
- “Arched plinth base decorated with carved foliage and scrollwork.”
- “52cms. high.”
- “flanked by two trees issuing oak leaves on a foliate carved base, a hunter and his dog appearing from the undergrowth”
- “with two doors above, again carved with oak leaves, opening to reveal to the left, a quail and to the right, a cuckoo, each bird painted in naturalistic hues and mounted on a wooden base”