Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Michelangelo Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock, titled 'Michelangelo', is an ornamental piece created between 1849 and 1852. The design is attributed to Jean-Jacques Feuchère, with bronze casting by Gaspard-Joseph Vittoz. The clock serves as a monument to the historical figure Michelangelo, who is depicted in a seated, contemplative pose, leaning against a sculpture he has been working on, with various tools scattered at his feet. The clock housing and surrounding figures feature decorative elements associated with the Renaissance. Measuring 81 cm in height, 51 cm in width, and 32 cm in depth, the piece is constructed from patinated and gilded bronze. The dial is integrated into the base, which is flanked by sculptural figures. The object was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 2019 with the support of the Ambaum Haks Fonds and the Rijksmuseum Fonds, and is now preserved as part of the museum's permanent collection.

Frontal view of the Michelangelo mantel clock in patinated and gilded bronze.
Frontal view of the Michelangelo mantel clock in patinated and gilded bronze. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Jean-Jacques Feuchère (designer), Gaspard-Joseph Vittoz (bronze caster)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-2019-101
Source-reported date
ca. 1849 - ca. 1852
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

Design and Iconography

The clock is designed as a sculptural monument commemorating Michelangelo. The primary figure is rendered in a seated, contemplative posture, with one arm resting upon a work in progress. Furthering the narrative of the artisan at work, various sculptural tools are visible at the base of the figure.

The decorative scheme of the clock is informed by Renaissance themes. The overall composition balances the contemplative nature of the central figure with the functional requirements of the clock dial, which is mounted into a heavily ornamented gilded base flanked by secondary figures.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hij is peinzend weergegeven, zijn arm leunt op een beeld waar hij aan heeft gewerkt.”
  • “De ornamentiek van de pendule is in de stijl van de renaissance.”

Signatures and Inscriptions

The physical object bears clear markings confirming the collaborative nature of its creation. A signature is present on the figure, identifying both the designer, Jean-Jacques Feuchère, and the bronze caster, Gaspard-Joseph Vittoz.

Additionally, an inscription is located on the figure, which provides the full name and titles of the subject: 'Michel Ange Buonaroti Scultore e Architetto Fiorentino'. These inscriptions serve to authenticate the provenance and the identities of those involved in the fabrication process.

Evidence for this section
  • “signatuur, op figuur: ‘J Feuchere scpt en Vittoz bronzier’”
  • “inscriptie, op figuur: ‘Michel Ange Buonaroti Scultore e Architetto Fiorentino’”

Provenance and Physical Details

This clock was acquired by the Rijksmuseum on December 5, 2019. Its acquisition was facilitated through the financial support of the Ambaum Haks Fonds and the Rijksmuseum Fonds.

Constructed from patinated and gilded bronze, the piece maintains its historical integrity. It is identified under the object number BK-2019-101

Evidence for this section
  • “Aankoop met steun van het Ambaum Haks Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds”
  • “Objectnummer BK-2019-101”
  • “Gepatineerd en verguld brons”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of internal movement mechanism housed within the bronze casing?
  • Are there records of other variations of this 'Michelangelo' clock design produced by Vittoz?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Michelangelo Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dateca. 1849 - ca. 1852“ca. 1849 - ca. 1852”
Dimensions81 cm x 51 cm x 32 cm“hoogte 81 cm x breedte 51 cm x diepte 32 cm”
MaterialsGepatineerd en verguld brons“Gepatineerd en verguld brons”
SignatureJ Feuchere scpt en Vittoz bronzier“signatuur, op figuur: ‘J Feuchere scpt en Vittoz bronzier’”
InscriptionMichel Ange Buonaroti Scultore e Architetto Fiorentino“inscriptie, op figuur: ‘Michel Ange Buonaroti Scultore e Architetto Fiorentino’”
Accession numberBK-2019-101“Objectnummer BK-2019-101”

Visible details

  • Seated figure of Michelangelo leaning on a sculpture
  • Tools resting on the base near the figure's feet
  • Dial featuring Roman numerals set into the gilded bronze base
  • Two figures flanking the central clock dial

Research qualifications

  • Specific clockwork mechanism details are not provided by the source
  • Exact proportions of the bronze finish distribution are not explicitly defined

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

Consulted source

Mantel clock 'Michelangelo'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5f660ca136

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records