A FINE FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED AMETHYST AND WHITE MARBLE THREE-PIECE CLOCK GARNITURE

The design for this clock is based on a model by 18th century designer Jean-Francois Forty (illustrated in L. Tardy, French Clocks the World Over, Paris, 1981, vol. II, p. 86). In his Cahier de six Pendules à l'usage des Fondeurs, circa 1770, a progression in Forty's design for the present clock can be seen; commencing in preparatory sketches of a modest design with simplified vase-form clock case and ultimately flourishing into a profusion of decoration, complete with elaborate base and portrait medallion. Another similar example of this design was sold as part of a three-piece garniture, Christie's, New York, 16 October 2018, lot.79 ($37,500).