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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Clock by Jean Martin

Partially verified

This mantel clock is attributed to the clockmaker Jean Martin, who was active in Paris between 1737 and 1781 and died in 1786. The object dates to approximately 1780 and is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The clock's construction utilizes Carrara marble for the sculptural case, which is embellished with gilt-bronze mounts. The movement is fabricated from brass and steel. The overall dimensions are recorded as 15-1/2 inches in height, 16 inches in width, and 6-1/2 inches in depth. The visual design includes a female figure and a putto flanking the circular dial, which is inset into the marble base. The object is a single, integrated horological unit.

The clock features a white marble sculptural housing with a portrait medallion and a circular dial.
The clock features a white marble sculptural housing with a portrait medallion and a circular dial. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Fletcher Fund, 1945. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Jean Martin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
45.60.33
Source-reported date
ca. 1780
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 Materials

The case of the clock is crafted primarily from Carrara marble, forming a sculptural base that supports the internal movement. The design features a female figure seated on the left side, gesturing toward a portrait medallion, and a smaller figure of a child positioned on the right. Both figures and the medallion are carved in the same white stone as the main housing.

In addition to the marble construction, the piece includes gilt-bronze mounts along the front apron of the base. The dial of the clock is circular and is integrated into the central portion of the marble block. The clock stands on four small metal feet that elevate the marble plinth above the surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Carrara marble, gilt-bronze mounts”

Movement and Construction

The internal mechanism of the clock is constructed using brass and steel components. These metals serve as the operational core of the timepiece, though the mechanical details beyond the material composition are not provided by the current museum documentation.

The movement is contained within the central marble section of the clock, which measures 15-1/2 inches high by 16 inches wide by 6-1/2 inches deep.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: brass, steel”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is identified as accession number 45.60.33 within the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to the Parisian clockmaker Jean Martin, who was active during the 18th century. The museum dates the creation of the piece to approximately 1780.

Information regarding this clock is derived from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's online collection records. The institution acquired the object through the Fletcher Fund in 1945. No further specific catalogue references or historical provenance documentation beyond the museum's own internal registration records are presently listed for this item.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 45.60.33”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Fletcher Fund, 1945”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks or signatures inscribed on the brass movement plates?
  • What is the technical type of the movement, such as an anchor escapement or other contemporary variant?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clock by Jean Martin
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean Martin“Clockmaker: Jean Martin (active 1737–81, died 1786)”
Dateca. 1780“ca. 1780”
CountryFrance, Paris“French, Paris”
Case materialsCarrara marble, gilt-bronze mounts“Case: Carrara marble, gilt-bronze mounts”
Movement materialsbrass, steel“Movement: brass, steel”
DimensionsH. 15-1/2 x W. 16 x D. 6-1/2 in. (39.4 x 40.6 x 16.5 cm)“H. 15-1/2 x W. 16 x D. 6-1/2 in. (39.4 x 40.6 x 16.5 cm)”
Museum Number45.60.33“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 45.60.33”

Visible details

  • White marble sculptural figures of a woman and a child
  • Circular clock dial with Roman numerals
  • Gilt-bronze decorative trim at the base
  • Four small brass-colored feet supporting the marble base

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent to which the clock represents a wider series or type remains unverified
  • Attribution to Jean Martin relies on museum records

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

Consulted source

Clock, Jean Martin, ca. 1780

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 57851c8b33

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records