French Louis XV Revival Mantel Clock by AD Mougin, Late 19th Century

Details

Description

An impressive and richly ornamented French mantel clock executed in the exuberant Louis XV Revival taste, dating to the late … Read more An impressive and richly ornamented French mantel clock executed in the exuberant Louis XV Revival taste, dating to the late 19th century and housing an authentic AD Mougin movement. The architectural case is profusely decorated with scrolling rocaille ornament, pierced elements, acanthus motifs, mascarons, and elaborate cast side handles, all surmounted by a monumental urn finial framed by cascading floral garlands.

The clock displays the dramatic sculptural vocabulary characteristic of the finest Belle Époque decorative arts, combining strong architectural symmetry with highly animated Rococo ornamentation. Particularly striking is the deeply modeled openwork decoration surrounding the dial, creating an exceptional play of light and shadow across the gilt surface.

The original white enamel dial remains in very good condition with elegant black Arabic numerals and finely shaped steel hands beneath a beveled glazed door. The movement bears the AD Mougin mark, one of the best-known French clock manufacturers of the late 19th century, whose workshops supplied movements for many high-quality Parisian decorative clocks of the period.

The case has undergone professional restoration and regilding in the past. The current gilt finish presents visible tonal variation and areas where warmer bronze undertones remain perceptible beneath the gilding, giving the surface a layered antique appearance. The movement has been cleaned and serviced; the clock runs well, while the striking mechanism currently requires adjustment or additional restoration.

An exceptionally decorative large-scale French clock, equally suited for classical, eclectic, or contemporary interiors where strong sculptural decorative objects are desired.

Dimensions:
49 cm high × 27 cm wide × 16 cm deep
19.3 in high × 10.6 in wide × 6.3 in deep

Condition:
Professionally restored and serviced. The case has been regilded in the past and now shows visible tonal variation and unevenness to the gilding consistent with later restoration. The enamel dial remains in very good condition without visible losses. Glass replaced. The movement runs well; the striking mechanism currently requires adjustment or repair. Minor wear, surface marks, and age-related patina throughout.
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