French Skeleton Clock
Period
ca. 1795Material
Rouge-Griotte marble base, brass and steel, enamelled dialSizes
(height) 38cm. (width) 11cm. (Length) 23cm.Large image(s)
Description
A fourteen day clockwork with central hands for hours, minutes, seconds and dates. The clock has a ‘gridiron’ pendulum. The going train has a pinwheel escapement. Strikes on the hour and half-hour.
The clock has an octagonal base of ‘Rouge Griotte’ marble that rests on six ormolu bronze supports. In the front the marble is indented for the pendulum weight.
The brass skeleton is supported by four ormolu bronze legs. The enamelled dial is framed on the inside and outside with ornmanted edges.
The hours and minutes hands are in ormolu bronze, the hands for seconds and date are in blued steel.
The clock is kept in a casing of more recent date.
Robert Robin (1742-1799) was coming from a line of clockmakers. In 1767 he was recorded Maître of the Parisien clockmaker guild. From 1772 onwards he worked from the Grande Rue du Faubourg st. Honoré. In 1785 an appartment and workshop was assigned to him at the Louvre. From that moment on he predominantly worked for the French Court and published about the clocks in the royal collection.
