Clock, c. 1789
Jean-Antoine Lepine; Painter: Joseph Coteauexpand_more
Marble, gilt bronzeexpand_more
Gift of funds from Mrs. Carolyn Grovesexpand_more 88.88.1a-g
On View in Gallery 314expand_more
The multiple timekeeping functions of this clock make it one of the most ambitious objects ever designed by Jean-Antoine Lépine, clockmaker to King Louis XVI of France. The clock face features twelve secondary clocks that show the time in various cities around the world, from Boston to Batavia (present-day Jakarta, Indonesia). The dial on the left shows the position of the sun with respect to the constellations of the zodiac, while the dial on the right indicates the time of sunrise and sunset. In keeping with the clock’s theme, the decorations are those associated with Apollo, the Greek sun god. The mask of Apollo radiates above the lyre-shaped white marble case, enhanced with gilt-bronze laurel branches and leaves.
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Details
- Title
- Clock
- Artist Life
- 1720–1814
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 88.88.1a-g
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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