Roman Portable Table Clock, 1730

Details

Description

Roman table clock from the early 18th century, made around 1730, belonging to the category of small domestic timepieces designed … Read more Roman table clock from the early 18th century, made around 1730, belonging to the category of small domestic timepieces designed to be easily moved within the residence, as indicated by the presence of the gilt-metal carrying handle at the top.
The case, following the architectural design typical of Roman production, is executed in veneered wood with elegant moldings and rests on turned gilt-metal feet. The upper section features a slightly domed top surmounted by the shaped carrying handle, while the sides and front door are fitted with glass panels allowing a view of the internal mechanism, a distinctive feature of high-quality Roman clockmaking of the 18th century.
The engraved and gilt brass dial, with Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute track, is enriched by finely engraved corner ornaments and a delicately worked central section, reflecting the Baroque taste still prevalent in Rome during the first half of the 18th century. The shaped hands and the rich engraving contribute to a particularly elegant front presentation.
The glazed side and rear panels allow observation of the internal brass mechanical movement, a typical characteristic of Italian domestic clocks of the period.
Because of its proportions, construction typology, and the presence of the carrying handle, this example represents a significant piece of early 18th-century Roman clockmaking, particularly appreciated for its compact dimensions, the decorative quality of its engraved dial, and its original function as a portable timepiece intended for refined domestic interiors. See less