Mantel clock ("Pendule Uranie")

Jean-André Lepaute|Jean-Baptiste Lepaute

ca. 1764–70 · Case: patinated bronze and gilded bronze; Dial: white enamel; Movement: brass and steel · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In Jean-André Lepaute’s 1766 price list, this model is listed as Pendule Urania (Muse of Astronomy) and is said to be after a model by the sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The scroll in Urania’s hand has symbols for Scorpio and Libra. At the feet of the putto is a chart for the lunar eclipse that occurred on April 1, 1764, reproducing the prediction made by Jean-André’s wife, the mathematician Madame Lepaute, published in 1762.

Artist

Jean-André Lepaute|Jean-Baptiste Lepaute

Date

ca. 1764–70

Medium

Case: patinated bronze and gilded bronze; Dial: white enamel; Movement: brass and steel

Culture

French, Paris

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Ogden Mills, 1929