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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Console clock by Isidore-Guillaume Champion

Partially verified

This console clock, or bracket clock, is attributed to the Parisian clockmaker Isidore-Guillaume Champion and dates to the period between circa 1715 and 1730. The piece features a complex construction comprising a core of pine wood, finished with boulle-style marquetry consisting of tortoise shell and brass. The clock is heavily ornamented with gilded bronze mounts, including acanthus leaf decoration on the diagonal corner stiles, feathered female masks, and ornamental consoles. The dial is made of gilded bronze with grotesques and features individual enamel numerals. A prominent figurative sculptural element in gilded bronze represents Father Time, seated atop the semi-circular upper moulding. The movement is signed on the back plate. This object serves as an example of furniture and horology produced in Paris during the early 18th century, utilizing decorative techniques popularized by André-Charles Boulle, although this specific item is identified as a simplified version of a Boulle model.

A view of the console clock, showing the gilded bronze figure of Time at the top, the enamel-numbered dial, and the brass-and-tortoiseshell marquetry.
A view of the console clock, showing the gilded bronze figure of Time at the top, the enamel-numbered dial, and the brass-and-tortoiseshell marquetry. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
G.J. Campion
Reference
BK-NM-13187
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-13187
Source-reported date
ca. 1715 - ca. 1730
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 Decorative Features

The structure is built upon a pine wood core, which serves as the substrate for intricate marquetry consisting of tortoiseshell and brass. This decorative technique is described as a variation of the style popularized by André-Charles Boulle, though the source notes this specific piece is a simplified version of models introduced by him.

The case is further distinguished by extensive use of gilded bronze mounts. The diagonal corner stiles are adorned with acanthus leaf motifs and feathered female heads. At the top of the clock, a semi-circular molding supports a gilded bronze figure representing Time, complete with a scythe. Beneath the main dial, additional gilded bronze figurative elements and decorative console mounts are integrated into the overall design of the clock casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Consoleklok, versierd met marqueterie van messing en schildpad op kern van grenenhout, en met verguld brons.”
  • “Deze consoleklok is een vereenvoudigde versie van een model dat Boulle introduceerde.”

Dial and Movement

The dial of the clock is crafted from gilded bronze and features a surface decorated with grotesques. The hour indicators consist of individual enamel numerals applied to the gilded plate.

The mechanical movement, which powers the timekeeping function of the object, is located within the case. The back plate of the movement bears a formal signature identifying the maker as Isidore-Guillaume Champion, with the inscription reading 'G.J. Campion à Paris'. This signature serves as the primary evidence for the identification and attribution of the clock's maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “onder de met grotesken versierde verguld bronzen wijzerplaat met cijfers in émail”
  • “signatuur, uurwerk achterzijde: ‘G.J. Campion à Paris’”

Provenance and History

The clock entered the Rijksmuseum collection in 1924 as a donation. The donor is identified as Mrs. J.G. Fontein, residing in Santpoort. This acquisition history is documented in the museum records and the object has since been maintained within the public domain.

The piece is classified as a mechanical clock and is categorized as furniture within the museum's decorative arts collection. It remains identified by its accession number BK-NM-13187, which serves as the unique identifier for all documentation and provenance research associated with the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Schenking van mevrouw J.G. Fontein, Santpoort”
  • “schenking 1924”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific horological details of the movement beyond the signature on the back plate?
  • Does the variation in mentioned core materials (pine versus oak) imply historic repairs or restoration efforts?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Console clock by Isidore-Guillaume Champion
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIsidore-Guillaume Champion“uurwerkmaker: Isidore-Guillaume Champion, Parijs”
Dateca. 1715 - ca. 1730“ca. 1715 - ca. 1730”
Object numberBK-NM-13187“Objectnummer BK-NM-13187”
SignatureG.J. Campion à Paris“Uurwerk aan de achterkant getekend: G.J. Campion à Paris”
Dimensions77 cm x 50 cm x 26 cm“hoogte 77 cm x breedte 50 cm x diepte 26 cm”
Core MaterialPine (grenenhout)“Consoleklok, versierd met marqueterie van messing en schildpad op kern van grenenhout”
AcquisitionDonation 1924“Schenking van mevrouw J.G. Fontein, Santpoort”

Visible details

  • Gilded bronze figure of Time holding a scythe mounted at the apex.
  • Dial features individual white enamel hour markers on a gilded bronze background.
  • Case decorated with elaborate brass and tortoiseshell marquetry.
  • Ornate gilded bronze mounts featuring acanthus leaves and masks.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes the object is a simplified version of a Boulle model, but does not confirm if Boulle himself had any direct role in this specific production.
  • The primary construction material is listed as pine (grenenhout) in the description, though physical characteristics also mention oak (eikenhout).

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

Consulted source

Bracket clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4d3866754f

Terms in this record

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

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