Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Mantel clock, 48.187.730

Partially verified

This mantel clock is a mid-18th century horological object held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Attributed to the maker Martin, who was active in Paris, the clock is constructed from bronze and gilt bronze. The object measures 20 by 13 inches (50.8 by 33 cm). The aesthetic design incorporates elaborate decorative elements including human figures, animals, and lizards. The circular dial features Roman numerals for the hours and is integrated into a sculptural base that incorporates animal motifs. The clock is documented under museum accession number 48.187.730 by the department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. This record is based on the institution's public domain open-access documentation.

Mantel clock in bronze and gilt bronze, mid-18th century, accession 48.187.730.
Mantel clock in bronze and gilt bronze, mid-18th century, accession 48.187.730. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Martin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
48.187.730
Source-reported date
mid-18th century
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

Construction and Design

The mantel clock is composed of a combination of bronze and gilt bronze. The primary structure stands 20 inches in height and 13 inches in width, creating a substantial profile. The design is highly sculptural, integrating a central clock housing with a multifaceted base and top ornament.

The dial is presented in a circular format, featuring standard Roman numerals. It is surrounded by sculptural floral elements that appear to extend from the housing. The lower section of the clock is supported by a large animal-shaped structure, which acts as the primary foundation for the movement case, creating a thematic unity between the mechanical and sculptural elements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bronze, gilt bronze”
  • “20 × 13 in. (50.8 × 33 cm)”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Human Figures, Animals, Lizards.”

Attribution and Documentation

The object is held within the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is officially catalogued under the accession number 48.187.730, falling under the purview of the institution's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

The clock is attributed to a maker identified as Martin, noted as having been active in Paris. This attribution is based on the museum's institutional record, which places the production of the clock in the mid-18th century. The museum's documentation provides the foundation for this description, noting the specific materials and thematic categories assigned to the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is attributed to Martin (active Paris).”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 48.187.730)”
  • “The museum dates it mid-18th century.”

Decorative Themes

The clock exhibits complex ornamentation that combines human and animal motifs. The upper portion of the clock is surmounted by a human figurine, while the lower body of the clock incorporates animal forms, described as an animal or zoomorphic structure in the visual record.

Furthermore, the clock features lizards as part of its decorative program. These specific subject tags provide a formal classification for the sculptural elements observed on the housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Human Figures, Animals, Lizards.”

Open research questions

  • What is the full name and biographical data for the maker 'Martin' active in Paris during the mid-18th century?
  • Are there surviving archival documents at The Met that clarify the provenance or specific commission history of this clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mantel clock, 48.187.730
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMartin“It is attributed to Martin (active Paris).”
Datemid-18th century“Mantel clock, mid-18th century”
MaterialBronze and gilt bronze“Bronze, gilt bronze”
Dimensions20 x 13 inches“20 × 13 in. (50.8 × 33 cm)”
Accession Number48.187.730“48.187.730”
Subject TagsHuman Figures, Animals, Lizards“Subject tags assigned by the museum: Human Figures, Animals, Lizards.”

Visible details

  • Circular white dial with Roman hour numerals
  • Gilt bronze base featuring zoomorphic figures
  • Top-mounted human figure figurine
  • Asymmetrical floral decorations surrounding the dial

Research qualifications

  • The specific identity of the maker 'Martin' requires further research to verify
  • The attribution to the mid-18th century is based on museum cataloguing which may undergo updates

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

Consulted source

Mantel clock, mid-18th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bcd8be9357

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records