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Clock

Workshop of David Roentgen German
Movement attributed to Elie Prudhomme German, born Switzerland
ca. 1780–90
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 553
Its severe architectural form makes the case of this clock as imposing a classical monument. Typical is the use of finely grained mahogany veneered, applied from a single sheet from the frieze at the top down to the base, combined with brass inlay and gilt-bronze mounts. The base, enamel dial with bold roman numerals, and steel hand that indicates the day of the month make it an ideal timepiece for a desktop. Displayed on the rolltop desk with Chinoiserie, its simplicity looks like an anachronism. It is, however, a perfect match when the rolltop is lifted (see ill.). The movement is attributed to Élie Prudhomme, a Moravian clockmaker in Neuwied. The dial is signed Jean Thomas/Petersbourg. Thomas, a Swiss clock maker who lived in Saint Petersburg in the early nineteenth century, may have repaired the movement.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Clock
  • Maker: Workshop of David Roentgen (German, Herrnhaag 1743–1807 Wiesbaden, master 1780)
  • Maker: Movement attributed to Elie Prudhomme (German, born Switzerland, first mentioned 1776)
  • Date: ca. 1780–90
  • Culture: German, Neuwied am Rhein
  • Medium: Oak, pine, and mahogany, veneered with mahogany; brass, gilt bronze and enamel
  • Dimensions: Overall: 18 1/4 × 12 1/2 × 8 1/4 in. (46.4 × 31.8 × 21 cm)
  • Classification: Horology
  • Credit Line: Gift of The Ruth Stanton Family Foundation, in honor of Wolfram Koeppe, 2002
  • Object Number: 2002.237
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Commode à vantaux, David Roentgen German, Oak, pine, walnut, mahogany, and cherry veneered with hornbeam (partially stained), tulipwood, walnut, holly and maple (both partially stained), boxwood, mahogany, and other woods; red brocatelle marble; gilt bronze; iron, steel, and brass, German, Neuwied am Rhein
Commode à vantaux
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1775–79 with later alterations
Oval table, David Roentgen German, Oak, walnut, pine, cherry, and maple, veneered with maple, hornbeam, holly (all partially stained), cherry, mahogany, tulipwood, and other woods; gilt bronze, iron, brass, steel; partially tooled and gilded leather, German, Neuwied am Rhein
Oval table
David Roentgen
ca. 1774–80
Game table, David Roentgen German, Oak and walnut, veneered with mahogany, maple, holly (the last two partially stained); iron, steel, brass, gilt bronze; felt and partially tooled and gilded leather, German, Neuwied am Rhine
Game table
David Roentgen
ca. 1780–83
Writing table, David Roentgen German, Mahogany, gilt bronze, German, Neuwied am Rhein
Writing table
David Roentgen
ca. 1790
Dressing table, David Roentgen German, Harewood and marquetry woods, German, Neuwied am Rhein
Dressing table
David Roentgen
ca. 1775

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