Gold, diamond, ruby, and turquoise boudoir clock by Magnen
£18,000
The unusual design of this elegant boudoir clock was inspired by eighteenth century French silverware, in a style often commissioned by the aristocracy.
This exquisite boudoir clock is crafted in gold and takes the form of a putto pushing a wheelbarrow. The putto wears a yoke around his shoulders, which is set with diamonds, and the wheelbarrow that he pushes is laden with a golden barrel inlaid with precious stones. The clock face is set to one end of the barrel and features a gold dial with foliate scrolls and Roman numerals. The clock is fitted with a gilt watch movement which is signed 'Magnen, Paris'. A whippet dog runs alongside the wheelbarrow, sporting ruby-set eyes and a diamond collar. The entire scene is mounted onto a green hardstone base.
The design of this unusual timepiece is based on the well-known silver mustard pots by Antoine-Sebastien Durand, Paris, 1750, made for Mme. de Pompadour, now in the Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon.