Detail of Mantel Clock

The model for this clock was listed in the 1715 inventory of Boulle’s workshop when, although unfinished, it was valued at the high figure of 2,500 livres. The clock's movement is by Jolly. The gilt-bronze figure of Venus rests her right foot on a spiral shell, which was probably cast from life, while Cupid with his bow and arrow stands beside her. Originally there would have been a garland of gilt-bronze flowers running down from the chaplet held by Venus to the flowers on the left-hand side. The clock face, decorated with flying putti, is of a type often used by Boulle.