Baroque cabinet clock

Ludvík Hainz, Jr, Prague, Bohemia, ca. 1880

Cast, gilt bronze; coloured enamels. Cartouche-shaped clock case on four thin S-shaped acanthus legs; the case is surmounted by a seated putti holding a ribbon. Enamelled outti, acanthae, and rocailles on the front and sides. Enamel dial with Arabic numerals.

H: 28 cm

Markings: LOUIS HAINZ Prague on dial

UMP 17137

The form and brightly coloured decoration on the clock respond to the French wave of Rococo Revival fashion, which rose from the 1870s; its style returns to the richly carved clock cases of the second third of the eighteenth century. A reference to French designs is also evident in the French signature on the clock.

Ludvík Hainz Jr (1847–1893) was the successor to the Prague clockmaking company established by his father, Ludvík Hainz (1815–1875). The company supplied large turret clocks as well as a wide variety of interior clocks. Hainz was also responsible for the operation of the Astronomical Clock on Prague’s Old Town Hall.

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