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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock, Jean-Baptiste Dutertre

Partially verified

This French gilt bronze and marble mantel clock dates to the third quarter of the 18th century according to auction records. The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals, painted floral garlands, pierced gilt hands, two winding apertures, and is signed 'J. Bte. Dutertre / À Paris'. The movement is also marked by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre. The gilt bronze sculptural composition depicts a classical female figure presenting grapes in a tazza to a winged putto above a circular drum case. The drum rests on a gilt bronze base featuring a relief frieze of putti, set upon a green veined marble plinth supported by four turned feet.

Front view of the French gilt bronze and marble mantel clock by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre
Front view of the French gilt bronze and marble mantel clock by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre — Freeman's / Hindman. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Jean-Baptiste Dutertre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
171
Source-reported date
Third Quarter 18th Century
Country
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

Object Identity and Attribution

This mantel clock is signed by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre and dated to the third quarter of the 18th century by the auction source. The clock features signatures on both the dial and the internal movement.

The dial bears the inscription 'J. Bte. Dutertre/ À Paris', and the movement is marked 'J. Bte. Dutertre'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed Jean-Baptiste Dutertre, Third Quarter 18th Century”
  • “the dial signed J. Bte. Dutertre/ À Paris , the movement marked J. Bte. Dutertre”

Composition and Description

The clock is composed of gilt bronze and marble. It features a drum case resting on a base that includes a gilt bronze relief frieze, all set upon a green veined marble plinth supported by four turned feet.

The gilt bronze sculptural elements depict a draped woman offering grapes to a seated winged putto atop the drum case.

Evidence for this section
  • “A French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock”
  • “Gilt bronze sculptural figures depicting a draped woman offering grapes to a seated winged putto atop the drum case.”
  • “Gilt bronze relief frieze below the drum showing multiple putti engaged in play and celebration.”
  • “Rectangular dark green veined marble base raised on four turned gilt bronze feet.”

Condition and Status

The source documents a firing crack in the front bronze panel and chips located around the dial's winding pins. The piece is stated to take a wind and is in working condition.

The auction lot includes a pendulum; however, a winding key is not included.

Evidence for this section
  • “Firing crack in the front bronze panel; chips around the winding pins of the dial's enamel.”
  • “Takes a wind and is in working condition. With pendulum, but no winding key present.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific horological significance of the 'J. Bte. Dutertre' signature in the context of 18th-century Parisian production?
  • Are there archival records identifying the sculptor responsible for the gilt bronze figures?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock, Jean-Baptiste Dutertre
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionJean-Baptiste Dutertre, Third Quarter 18th Century“Signed Jean-Baptiste Dutertre, Third Quarter 18th Century”
Dial SignatureJ. Bte. Dutertre / À Paris“the dial signed J. Bte. Dutertre/ À Paris”
Movement InscriptionJ. Bte. Dutertre“the movement marked J. Bte. Dutertre”
DimensionsHeight 23 x width 18 1/2 inches“Height 23 x width 18 1/2 inches.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals, outer five-minute markings, and painted floral swags between the numerals.
  • Gilt bronze sculptural figures depicting a draped woman offering grapes to a seated winged putto atop the drum case.
  • Gilt bronze relief frieze below the drum showing multiple putti engaged in play and celebration.
  • Rectangular dark green veined marble base raised on four turned gilt bronze feet.

Research qualifications

  • The source reports a firing crack in the front bronze panel and chips around the dial's winding apertures.
  • The auction house notes that the clock is accompanied by a pendulum, but lacks a winding key.

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

Consulted source

A French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8dbdea7ba1

Terms in this record

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

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