In 1763, the King owned two splendid clocks, the cases of which were violet-wood and rosewood veneered. One of the clocks was solar, ornamented with attributes of Apollo in or moulu and surmounted by a perfume-box and ornamented with garlands. The other was lunar, with symbols of Diana. It was also surmounted by a perfume-box, and was ornamented by a star. Each clock was 7½ feet high and 21 inches wide.
In 1774, in Madame Sophie’s sleeping-room was a clock by Tolleverk of Paris, which could run for 15 days and which struck hours, and half hours, besides containing a chime of bells that played thirteen airs. The dial was 4½ inches in diameter and the hands were of gold. The case was surrounded by garlands of laurel held at the top by ribbon. On the right of the base was a celestial globe and the figure of a woman whose head was encircled by stars. She held a trumpet in her right hand, while her left rested on the clock; on the left, was a T-square, a compass, and other mathematical and scientific instruments, and three volumes besides. The whole was of bronze gilt or moulu and measured 16 inches in height, 16 in length, and 17 in depth.
[16]. A street where Eastern goods were specially on sale.
[17]. This was a bergère (see pages [207]–208).
[18]. “Camayeu is a kind of painting of a single colour where light and shadow are seen on a background of gold or azure. A camaieu in grey is called grisaille, that in yellow is cirage. The richest camaïeux are brightened with gold or bronze.... It is what Pliny calls Monochrome.” (D’Aviler, 1755.)
THE CHIPPENDALE PERIOD
THE CHIPPENDALE PERIOD
