Portico Century XVIIIe Watchmaker SCHIMT 1780

An elegant and remarkable Louis XVI period portico clock, crafted circa 1780, this exceptional timepiece bears witness to the highest refinement of French decorative arts of the late 18th century. Made of white marble and richly adorned with finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze mounts, it displays a particularly remarkable quality of craftsmanship. Its dial is signed “Schimt à Paris,” a signature corresponding to the clockmaker Jean-Nicolas Schimt, listed in Tardy’s celebrated Dictionary of French Clockmakers. It is worth emphasizing the frequent confusion on the market between so-called “portico” clocks from the Louis XVI and Empire periods: genuine examples designed during the reign of Louis XVI are today of extreme rarity. The combination of an authentic clock from this period, retaining such a complete architectural structure, sumptuous mercury gilding, and such a remarkable state of preservation, gives this example a truly exceptional and exceedingly rare character.

Of particularly original and refined architecture, the composition combines, with rare elegance, the purity of white marble with the sumptuous brilliance of mercury-gilded bronze. At the summit, an elegant covered vase is crowned by a naturalistic composition of foliage, fruit and clusters of grapes, admirably chased in fine detail. Delicate garlands of pearls gracefully cascade down either side of the structure, contributing to the overall lightness of the composition. The circular movement, framed by a delicate beaded frieze in gilt bronze, features a superb enamel dial with Roman numerals, signed “Schimt à Paris,” and animated by highly elegant pierced hands decorated with vegetal motifs. On either side, two imposing architectural mounts reminiscent of genuine candelabra, richly ornamented with leaves, flowers, clusters of grapes and scrolling foliage, support the composition. Long beaded garlands emphasize both the vertical and horizontal lines of the architecture, creating a remarkable impression of movement and precious refinement. The shaped base, delicately highlighted with a gallery of pearls and enriched with decorative gilt-bronze appliqués, rests upon three small turned feet. Finally, the pendulum, terminating in an elegant foliate motif, poetically completes this composition of exceptional delicacy.

Far more than a simple decorative clock, this work represents a rare and precious testament to Parisian horology and the decorative arts under Louis XVI. The quality of its mercury-gilded bronzes, the exceptional finesse of their chasing, the purity of the white marble and the extraordinary richness of its naturalistic decoration together create an ensemble of rare harmony. Its authenticity, signature, age and, above all, the great rarity of genuine Louis XVI portico clocks give this example particular significance. Both a collector’s piece and a decorative masterpiece, this clock possesses that presence and elegance which only the most refined creations of the 18th century are capable of expressing. An exceptional piece, intended for the discerning connoisseur and collector seeking an authentic, spectacular and truly extraordinary work.

Original movement intact and unaltered, with silk-thread suspension. Striking on the hours and half-hours on an antique bell, producing a clear and authentic tone.