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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Table Clock by Nicolas Gribelin

Partially verified

This table clock, dating to approximately 1675, is of French origin and associated with the city of Paris. The horological movement was produced by the clockmaker Nicolas Gribelin (1637–1719), while the elaborate case is attributed to the cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732). The timepiece has a physical presence measuring 59.6 × 42 × 22.9 cm. Its construction involves a diverse array of materials, including walnut, ebony, oak, fruitwood, gilded brass, enamel, tortoiseshell, pewter, glass, and steel. The architectural case features an arched design supported by turned feet and composite columns. Its surfaces are adorned with intricate marquetry incorporating tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter. The gilt dial plate is heavily engraved with foliate scrollwork and includes Roman numeral hour plaques. The object is currently held within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago under the accession number 2001.117.

Front view of the table clock, displaying the architectural case, marquetry, and engraved dial plate.
Front view of the table clock, displaying the architectural case, marquetry, and engraved dial plate. — Art Institute of Chicago. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Nicolas Gribelin; case attributed to André-Charles Boulle
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2001.117
Source-reported date
c. 1675
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 Construction and Marquetry

The table clock is designed with an arched architectural form. It is elevated on ornate turned feet and flanked by composite columns that define the main vertical structural elements. The exterior surfaces exhibit a complex aesthetic finish characterized by intricate marquetry. This decorative technique utilizes a combination of tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter to create patterns across the clock’s panels and facade.

The structure is further enhanced by heavy gilded brass mouldings and finials positioned along the top of the case. The use of varied timber species, including walnut, ebony, oak, and fruitwood, provides a structural foundation for the application of these metallic and organic veneers. The overall dimensions of the object are recorded as 59.6 by 42 by 22.9 centimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock features an arched architectural case supported by ornate turned feet and flanked by composite columns.”
  • “Its exterior surfaces display intricate marquetry in tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter, complemented by heavy gilded brass mouldings and finials along the top.”

Dial and Timekeeping

An arched glass door provides access to the interior components of the clock. The dial plate is composed of richly engraved gilt metal, which is filled with dense foliate scrollwork. Decorative borders frame the central area of the dial.

The timekeeping display consists of Roman numeral hour plaques arranged in a circular formation, encircling the central hands. Positioned on the lower section of the dial plate, there is an ornamental cartouche that appears to contain the signature of the maker. The clock functions as a tabletop timepiece, with the movement reportedly executed by Nicolas Gribelin.

Evidence for this section
  • “An arched glass door opens onto a richly engraved gilt dial plate filled with dense foliate scrollwork, framed by decorative borders.”
  • “The dial includes Roman numeral hour plaques encircling central hands, with an ornamental cartouche positioned on the lower section of the dial plate.”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is documented as object number 2001.117 within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The provided information regarding the provenance and historical details is transcribed from the collection records maintained by the institution.

The record notes the involvement of cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle in the creation of the case, though this is stated as an attribution. The movement is attributed to Nicolas Gribelin, a clockmaker active in Paris during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Evidence for this section
  • “Museum object number 2001.117”
  • “The movement was made by clockmaker Nicolas Gribelin (1637–1719), and the elaborate case is attributed to André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732).”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement utilized in the Gribelin movement?
  • Does the ornamental cartouche on the dial explicitly name the maker or provide a date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table Clock by Nicolas Gribelin
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec. 1675“c. 1675”
Maker (Movement)Nicolas Gribelin“The movement was made by clockmaker Nicolas Gribelin (1637–1719)”
Case AttributeeAndré-Charles Boulle“the elaborate case is attributed to André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732)”
MaterialsWalnut, ebony, oak, fruitwood, gilded brass, enamel, tortoiseshell, pewter, glass, steel“constructed from a variety of materials, including walnut, ebony, oak, fruitwood, gilded brass, enamel, tortoiseshell, pewter, glass, steel, and other metals.”
Dimensions59.6 × 42 × 22.9 cm“59.6 × 42 × 22.9 cm (23 7/16 × 16 1/2 × 9 in.)”
Museum Number2001.117“2001.117”
Place of ManufactureParis“was produced in Paris”

Visible details

  • Arched architectural case with composite columns
  • Gilded dial plate engraved with dense foliate scrollwork
  • Inlaid marquetry featuring tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter
  • Decorative ornamental cartouche on the lower dial plate

Research qualifications

  • Case attribution to André-Charles Boulle is described as an attribution rather than a documented certainty
  • The specific extent of restoration or surface maintenance history is not provided by the source

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

Consulted source

Table Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 79d5a58ff3

Terms in this record

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

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