Gilt bronze French Rococo style clock and barometer set

This very fine antique clock and barometer set was made in Paris in the height of the French Belle Époque, and as such exemplifies the wonderful synthesis of earlier regal styles used by clockmakers and bronziers at this time.

In a predominantly Louis XV or Rococo style, it features a pair of scrolling foliate, floral, and ribbon-lined rocaille-shaped gilt bronze cases. The dials are marked with Arabic and Roman numerals with second markings in the former and hour markings in the latter. The dial is signed 'Paul Gravelin / Paris / 8 Rue Charlot,' and the square-plate, eight-day movement is stamped for 'Louis Marti et Cie / Bronze Medaille.' Little is known about Gravelin, other than what can be gleamed from his pieces that survive, however, it is clear from works such as these that his pieces were of the highest calibre; Marti was a medal-winning clock-maker with whom he frequently collaborated.

The Rococo style proved popular in the Belle Époque, as its expressive floral qualities lent themselves well to artists and makers who were keen to draw upon earlier tradition, but still wanted space for their own individual flair. As such, pieces like this beautiful clock set form links to France's royal past while looking to the future, adding a wonderful antique grandeur and presence to a contemporary interior.