Mantel clock (pendule de chiminée) 1732 - 1755

This elaborate mantel clock, crafted by French artist Paul Gudin Le Jeune between 1732 and 1755, is a prime example of Rococo decorative arts. The clock, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a porcelain base with an ornate floral design and a group of figures, likely representing a romantic scene. The porcelain figures are set against a backdrop of a gilded tree, and the clock face itself is framed by a floral wreath. The overall effect is one of delicate beauty and lighthearted elegance, reflecting the Rococo era's emphasis on natural forms and playful details.