Consoleklok van verguld en geciseleerd brons c. 1745 - 1749

This console clock, made of gilded and chiselled bronze, was crafted by Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain, an important Parisian bronze worker. Think about how the decorative arts, like clock-making, flourished in 18th-century France, amidst a society defined by rigid class structures and the opulence of the aristocracy. Such objects served not just functional purposes but acted as symbols of status and taste. Bronzes like this were coveted by the elite, intended to impress visitors. Note the flamboyant curves and the sculpture of the rooster, which conveys a sense of movement. Yet, consider this. While the clock embodies luxury, it also represents the relentless march of time, a concept that touches everyone regardless of social standing. As such, it encourages reflection on time's passage and perhaps even the fleeting nature of power and beauty.