Art Nouveau Clock attributed to Louis Majorelle, 1915

Details

Description

Art Nouveau Clock
Attributed to Louis Majorelle
France, École de Nancy, circa 1900–1915
Important and highly refined Art Nouveau clock, … Read more Art Nouveau Clock
Attributed to Louis Majorelle
France, École de Nancy, circa 1900–1915
Important and highly refined Art Nouveau clock, attributed to Louis-Jean-Sylvestre Majorelle, one of the leading figures of the École de Nancy and among the most influential designers of French Art Nouveau.
The clock presents a sculptural, organically contoured case in finely finished wood, entirely clad on the front and sides with embossed metal panels (copper or bronze), richly decorated with naturalistic motifs in high relief. The flowing silhouette and the unity between structure and ornament perfectly reflect Majorelle’s design philosophy, where furniture and decorative objects are conceived as cohesive artistic forms.
The decorative programme is dominated by stylised foliage, stems and floral elements, animated by the presence of dragonflies, a recurring and emblematic motif in Majorelle’s work.
Two dragonflies adorn the upper front section, enhanced by blue glass cabochon inserts, while a further dragonfly appears in full relief on the side panel, reinforcing the dynamic, organic rhythm of the composition.
The circular dial, executed in patinated brass, features applied Arabic numerals and finely pierced hands with floral decoration. The clock is fitted with an eight-day movement, underscoring its original function as a high-quality domestic timepiece rather than a purely decorative object.
Majorelle’s production is renowned for its synthesis of cabinetmaking, metalwork and decorative arts, often inspired by nature and executed with exceptional craftsmanship. This clock exemplifies those principles, combining elegant proportions, refined materials and a strongly characteristic Art Nouveau vocabulary.
An identical or closely related model is published and attributed to Majorelle in Liberty – Art Nouveau by Lara V. Masini (Giunti Editore), providing an important comparative reference for the present piece.
A rare and decorative object of strong visual presence, suitable for advanced collectors of Art Nouveau, École de Nancy works, or for inclusion in an important interior or curated collection. See less