French classicism during the reign of Louis XVI was inspired by the art and culture of the ancient Romans and Greeks. In the higher echelons of society it was important to know about this culture and its philosophy. Therefore, it is no surprise that studying the ancient was something many did, and it was held in high regard. The classically inspired figures of the young man writing and young woman reading personify ‘study’ and ‘philosophy’. Although we know that the design of this well-proportioned mantel clock was by François Rémond , he was not the creator of the two figures. They were designed a few years earlier by another well-known artist, Simon-Louis Boizot. They appear as pendant figures in both bronze and porcelain objects. Rémond incorporated them into his design, of which the drawing still exists. Both in design and theme this clock is a beautiful example of Louis XVI applied art. It was executed in the highest quality and a testament to French craftsmanship of the late eighteenth century.

The 16-cm enamel dial has Arabic numerals with polychrome garlands on the inner rim. The pierced engraved hands are adorned with a sun and a star and made of gilt brass. The sweep seconds is made of blued steel. Above the numerals 6 the dial is inscribed à Paris.

The movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of two weeks. It Is regulated by pinwheel escapement mounted on the back plate in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock has half hour striking on a bell by means of countwheel.

The movement is fitted in a gilt cylinder case surmounted by a beautiful gilt bronze eagle with spread wings. The cylinder is placed on a basement with a relief depicting two putti. The whole is flanked by a reading woman and a writing man personifying ‘Study’ and ‘Philosophy’. The wide black marble base has rounded ends and a Acanthus leaf moulding. The front has two annular deep reliefs depicting masks flanking another relief. This depicts two putti between scrolls flanking another mask. The whole is raised on flat annular feet. The design by François Rémond in which he encorporated the two figures by Simon-Louis Boizot still excists.

A large French Louis XVI mantel clock study and philosophy, Remond, circa 1790.

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