Astronomical clocks were a specialty of Lépine. One of the most innovative Parisian clockmakers, he supplied unique and elaborate clocks to the French court and foreign clients, including Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI's brother, and the king of Spain. The finely chased gilt-bronze laurel branches, ribbons, lyre, pine cone finial, and bas relief of putti playing musical instruments represent the unprecedented refinement of French design at the end of the eighteenth century.
Credit: Bequest of Mrs. Horace E. Dodge in memory of her husband
1784
Marble, ormolu
24.9 x 27.2 x 8.0 in
71.215
Image and text courtesy of Detroit Institute of Arts Gallery, 2022
Where you'll find this
Detroit Institute of Arts
Permanent collection