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Dubuisson - Laurent
Gilt Bronze, Enamel, and
Marble Skeleton Clock
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Dial Attributed to Etienne Gobin, known as Dubuisson (1731 - 1815)
Laurent à Paris
Gilt Bronze, Enamel, and Marble Skeleton Clock
Paris, late Louis XVI period, circa 1780 - 85
Height 45 cm, width 22 cm, depth 12 cm
The main white enamel ring dial with outer blue enamel scallops, has Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic
numerals for the date; fine pierced gilt bronze hands indicate the hours and minutes, with a blued steel centre
seconds hand a skeleton hand for the date. Above it, a white enamel subsidiary ring dial indicates the days of the
week with their corresponding zodiac signs, by a blued steel pointer. Between the two gilt bronze pierced palmette
and stylised motifs adorn the sides; a gadrooned gilt bronze urn with squared handles surmounts the clock. The
dials and arched frame are adorned with gilt bronze beading.
The eight-day skeletonised movement, visible in the centre of the ring dial, has a pinwheel escapement and knifeedge suspension; it strikes the hour and half hour on a single bell with outside count wheel, and a pendulum with
large bob.
The arch, decorated with a blue enamel plaque signed “Laurent à Paris”, rests on gilt bronze feet that support a
platform bearing gilt bronze urn finials; the rectangular black marble base, decorated with gilt bronze beadwork and
a pierced palmette and flower frieze, is raised on four toupie feet.
A similar skeleton clock with blue enamel arch and decorative gilt bronze motifs, but with both Revolutionary and
Gregorian time indications, formerly in the Jules Cousin collection, is today in the Carnavalet Museum in Paris (Inv.
CARMB0537 ; MB 537).
Skeletonised clocks came into fashion toward the end of the reign of Louis XVI. In this type of clock, the visible
movement is showcased rather than being hidden inside a case. There are several explanations for the popularity
of skeleton clocks: first, the recent advances in precision and regularity, which incited clockmakers to place their
movements on display; and secondly, the growing preference for spare and delicate clock cases, in marked
contrast to the more massive Louis XV and early Loéuis XVI styles. The ethereal appearance of these clocks was
heightened by their decoration in the form of painted polychrome enamel plaques instead of chased bronze work.
Artist Biography :
Laurent was a clockmaker active in the late 18th century.
Dubuisson (1731-1815)
Étienne Gobin, known as Dubuisson, was one of the best enamellers working in Paris during the latter part of the
18th century and the early 19th century. During the mid 1750’s he was employed at Sèvres, then opened his own
workshop, being recorded in the 1790’s in the rue de la Huchette and, circa 1812, in the rue de la Calandre.
Specializing in enamelled watch cases and clock dials, he is known for his great skill and attention to detail.
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