Cartel clock c. 1756

This gilded clock was made by Charles Cressent in the 18th century. The case, which is made of gilded bronze, is an example of a cartel clock, which was designed to be hung on a wall, and its form is asymmetrical. The making of this clock involved a complex combination of technical expertise and aesthetic judgment. The casting, chasing, and gilding of the bronze required a high degree of skill. These kinds of objects were usually fashioned through highly specialized workshops. This division of labor, and a great investment of time, allowed for very fine detail. Just look at the chasing of the dial, or the crispness of the sculpted figures. This clock testifies to the importance of bronze in eighteenth-century French decorative arts. The materiality, process, and historical context are all equally important when understanding the significance of this artwork.