Sworders
Lot 637
A large Louis XVI-style gilt-bronze cartel clock,late 19th century, having a convex enamel dial inscribed 'Louis Montjoye, Aaria', supporting a French drum movement striking on a bell, the case crest with a sunburst over a cherub seated in a carriage drawn by two doves, scrolling foliage and a seated nude and cherub,120cm highdial 21.5cm diameterLouis Montjoye (1728-c.1815)As an horological expert, Montjoye's name is often associated with some of the finest Louis XVI clocks. The son of Jacques and Marie-Madeleine née Langlois, he was apprenticed to Michel Mathurin Guery in 1736. In 1748, he was received as a Paris maitre, at which date he moved from Quai Pelletier to rue Dauphine; 1758 saw him established at rue de la Vieille Draperie and 1772 at rue Galande. He lived well into old age and died circa 1815 at Jouy-le-Chatel; his sons Louis II (d. before 1783) and Joseph-Bernard (d. after 1817) were both watch-case makers.Much of Montjoye's work was supplied to the marchands-merciers, especially Pierre-Simon La Hoguette and Dominique Daguerre, and through them was acquired by such figures as the duc de Richelieu, the duchesse de Mazarin, the marquis de Montesquiou, the comte de Vaudreuil and the Margravine von Baden. Today, examples of his work can be found among important collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Zähringer Museum in Baden-Baden, the Huntington Collection in San Marino, California, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Condition ReportGlass of door lacking. Re-gilded. Dial worn, cracks and repair around 6 0' clock. Movement restored or replaced.. One floral mount to left-hand side broken at lower end. . Scratches, knocks and some misshapen areas. Movement untested. Please see additional photos.
