Mantel clock with Chinese figure
Movement by Nicolas Sotiau, Master in 1782
ca. 1785
Chased, gilt and patinated bronze, onyx and white marble
Inv. CAM 182
© MAD
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The patinated bronze figure, seated on a cushion, is framed by two palm trees supporting a bowl. He strikes a gong containing the clock face, which bears the name of Nicolas Sotiau, who became a Master clockmaker in 1782. The rock and base are of white marble. Fernando Nunez, Spanish ambassador to Louis XVI, owned an identical clock, and a similar one was delivered in about 1787 by the marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre for the Chinese Room at Carlton House, the London home of the Prince of Wales (the future George IV), one of the greatest lovers of French art of his day.