The circular white enamel dial with black Roman and Arabic chapters, inscribed Manière with striking movement contained within an octagonal case, surmounted by a pair of doves and decorated with turquoise copper panels; raised on a reeded platform, decorated with pierced tasselled pelmets and raised on double goats legs ending in hoof feet. Flanked by two Sèvres biscuit groups, each depicting Venus instructing Cupid, one inscribed Le Leçon de L’amour, the other inscribed La Leçon à L’amour; raised on a rectangular plinth base with rounded corners, centred by an ormolu frieze of putti at various pursuits, flanked by turquoise copper panels fitted with foliate rinceaux and raised on ormolu toupee feet.
The models for these biscuit figures were not produced at Sevres until 1794 and the use of the double goats legs and pierced tasselled pelmets are particularly reminiscent of the work of Francois Remond 1747–1812
An identical clock but with blue painted copper panels, made by Manière after he had moved to Rue Christine, is illustrated in French Art of the 18th Century at the Huntingdon No 52, p. 155. Another was in the Keck collection, sold Sotheby’s 5th 1991, lot 7, but by a different maker, Causard.
Provenance:
Baron Guy de Rothschild, Chateau de Ferrières .
Reference:
The guide to Period styles for interiors from the 17th Century to the present, second edition by Judith Gura. Page 95
Measurements
| Dimensions | CM | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Width: | 42 | 16.5 |
| Depth: | 14 | 5.5 |
| Height: | 35 | 14 |