French Louis XIV Clock "religieuse", By The Watchmaker Mathieu Marguerite (

Elegant clock called "Religious" in tortoiseshell veneer, brass nets, blackened wood and gilded bronzes, Louis XIV period. It is signed under the dial as well as on the movement by Parisian watchmaker Mathieu Marguerite received Maître in 1675.
The dial, with enamelled cartridges, indicates the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes in Arabic numerals. It has two pretty finely chiseled needles.
With the amortization one finds a very beautiful bronze representing “Time” under the features of the Greek god Cronos / Chronos, represented with a scythe and a snake.
Time is a favorite subject for 18th century watchmakers. He often appears under the dial, taking the form of an elongated winged old man.


Parisian work
Tortoiseshell, blackened wood, brass threads
Original bronzes
Signed under the dial as well as on the "Marguerite à Paris" movement
Completely revised by our watchmaker
(Hammer replacement and modified exhaust)
Strikes the hours and half-hours
17th century


Historical annecdote:
In Greek mythology Cronos or Kronos (in ancient Greek ?????? / Krónos), is a Titan, the father of Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. It was likened to Saturn in Roman mythology. Later, in Modern times he was confused with Chronos who is the god of time and fate and who carries similar attributes.