Mantel clock (pendule de cheminée) 1752 - 1765

Julien Le Roy's "Mantel clock (pendule de cheminée)" is a stunning example of 18th-century French decorative arts. Created between 1752 and 1759, the clock features a bronze sculpture of a woman reading, intricately detailed and resting upon a gilded base. The clock face, adorned with Roman numerals, is set within a frame of elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs. The intricate design of the clock, showcasing a combination of bronze and gilt, exemplifies the Rococo style's emphasis on asymmetry and natural forms. The piece is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, highlighting the enduring beauty of French craftsmanship.