Table clock with Dial Painted by Zoffany
DateCa. 1760
Artist/Maker
Stephen Rimbault
Artist/Maker
Johan Joseph Zoffany
1733 - 1810
OriginEngland, London
MediumEbonized pearwood, oak, brass, silvered brass, gilt, steel, and glass
DimensionsOH: 18 3/4"; OW: 13"; OD: 8 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1938-60
DescriptionBracket or table clock with bell top case with carrying handle, brass pineapple finials, brass framed apertures on all sides, applied brass female bust and trailing flower mounts on all four canted corners and raised on brass bracket feet. Eight-day, three-train movement, knife edge suspension, quarter chimes and two musical pieces. The musical barrel is pinned for eight bells with sixteen hamers. Square dial with chapter ring surrounding stippled center with square date aperture at bottom and shaped name aperture at top engraved "Stepn Rimbault/ London", applied rococo scroll and shell spandrels at corners around chapter ring, strike/not strike lever at proper right edge of dial plate by number 45, 1-2 musical chime choice lever at proper left edge of dial plate by number 15, painted scene of four musicians above containing automata (moveable) arms. Fully engraved backplate. Originally had repeater cords for musical chimes and quarter chime, now missing.Label TextThe musical barrel of this clock is pinned for eight bells with sixteen hammers. The dial is believed to have been painted by John Zoffany, a portrait painter who began his London career painting dials for clockmaker Stephen Rimbault. The arms of the musicians move when the clock is operating. According to an early nineteenth century source, Rimbault concentrated on the Dutch market, specializing in musical clocks that played twelve tunes and incorporated automata.Inscription(s)Dial engraved "Stepn Rimbault/ London"Inscribed (scratched) on going barrel are the following:
"E. Larroudé jeun 1872"
"Ane 1790"
"Ant [or c] Guinea"
"? D"
"Joachim Richard"ProvenanceEx Coll: William Randolph Hearst
