Thuret's Minerve Cartel: Marquetry Boulle, Protects Arts

Magnificent cartel on a 245 cm tall stand, crafted in rich brown tortoiseshell and brass inlay, both in part and in counterpoint. The cartel, lavishly adorned with gilded and chased bronzes, is crowned by Minerva. Seated on her armor and shield bearing the head of Medusa, she holds a pen and a terrestrial globe. This symbol of power is also depicted on the statue of the protective goddess of Rome at the Palazzo Senatorio on the Capitoline Hill. At the top, four finely chased bobèches are present, with a casque-wearing Lupercus face surmounted by a winged Sphinx at the center. The convex glass door reveals a blue night Roman numeral dial. At the base and on the front of the cartel, a laughing faune face is visible. The sides of the clock feature stylized female faces, and at the bottom, Minerva's attributes of war: a sword, quiver, and trumpet. On the back door, a Bérain-style decoration of lambrequins, volutes, sphinxes, and peacocks is revealed, made in Boulle marquetry with a copper base. The other side of the door displays the same decoration, this time with a shell base. Inside, the pendulum features the face of the Sun King's child. The stand boasts abundant marquetry on its three sides, featuring scrolls, bouquets, flowers, and fantastical animals, all in the style of Bérain. The top and base of the stand are adorned with chased and gilded bronze bands. At the top, a faune face is flanked by a Telamon and a caryatid. This impressive 245 cm tall piece is signed by Thuret in Paris, descendants of Isaac Thuret, the horologist of Louis XIV. The mechanism is in working order, chiming the hours and half-hours.

• Exquisitely adorned with gilded and etched bronzes
• Minerva, the arts' protector, crafted by Thuret
• Mechanism in fully functional condition
• Seated on armor and shield bearing Medusa's head
• Trumpet and quiver depicted
• Bérain-style decor of lambrequins, volutes, sphinxes, and peacocks in Boulle marquetry