An important Louis XV gilt bronze clock "Commedia dell'arte"

Magnificent example of Rocaille art under Louis XV reign, our clock by its imposing composition in gilt bronze and its large size (65 cm high) is one of rare models of the "Commedia dell'Arte" having kept their original base.
The set of characters evolve in a rocky environment decorated with volutes, leafy windings around the dial and the lower part. While one of the actors is preparing to perform a somersault, encouraged by his companions, in the lower part two other actors are spreading a large sheet to receive the courageous man.
The white enamelled dial and the mainplate are signed Ches Balthazar for Charles Balthazar.
Hallmark with crowned C.
Louis XV period, between 1745-1749
Dimensions: h. 65 cm, l. 48 cm, p. 26 cm
The theme of commedia dell 'Arte, which appeared in the 16th century, was so successful in the 18th century, as the paintings of Antoine Watteau or Pietro Longhi attest, that the Decorative Arts will not hesitate to draw inspiration from it too: we find also his characters for example on andirons.
A clock of a similar model, but without the base, is kept in the Wallace collection.
A similar model, the dial by Charles Balthazar in Paris, was sold in Paris in 1995, "Collection d'un Humaniste" Sale Paris Hôtel Georges V, March 27, 1995, No. 424.
Another similar model, Drouot sale, Me Fromentin, May 28, 2014, lot n 113.
Balthazar, Henri Charles, known as Charles (? - 1776)
One of the most famous watchmakers of his line. He was received in 1717 as the watchmaker of Mesdames Filles de France.
He used boxes from Lieutaud, Saint-Germain, Roy, Dumont, Foullet and Goyer. He had an important production of pendulums. Among his clients were the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, the Russian Ambassador, the Count of Armentiers, the Marquis de Saint-Georges.