Photo credit: www.smithsonianmag.com

Exploring the Art of Timekeeping: Boulle’s Magnificent Clocks at the Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection in London is currently hosting an exhibition that delves into the intricate art of clockmaking, showcasing five remarkable timepieces crafted by André-Charles Boulle, a master artisan of the 18th century known for his elaborate designs.

Entitled “Keeping Time: Clocks by Boulle,” the exhibition highlights Boulle’s distinctive ornamental style. As a prominent cabinetmaker for Louis XIV of France, Boulle operated from a workshop located in the Louvre, where he crafted not only furniture but also exquisite clocks tailored for the needs of the French aristocracy. According to Jonathan Jones of the Guardian, Boulle’s workshop produced fine items for the royal elite, merging functionality with beauty.

“These clocks are masterpieces of marquetry and gilt bronze that encapsulate the dazzling essence of the French Baroque style,” notes Alexander Collins, a curator at the Wallace Collection, in a conversation with Artnet’s Verity Babbs.

While modern high-end timepieces are synonymous with opulence, Boulle and his contemporaries were pioneers in combining engineering precision with artistic flair. The pivotal invention of the pendulum by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in 1656 revolutionized timekeeping, and Boulle adeptly integrated this technology into his artistic vision.

“Boulle’s clocks represented the apex of 18th-century craftsmanship, blending sumptuous artistry with mechanical mastery,” remarked Xavier Bray, the director of the Wallace Collection. “We aim to offer visitors a glimpse into the lavish world of Louis XIV through this exhibition.”

Boulle’s work was not a solitary endeavor; he collaborated with a multitude of artisans and skilled craftsmen to bring each clock to life. These ornate timepieces were not only symbols of wealth but also features intricate motifs drawn from ancient mythology, enhancing their decorative appeal. Artnet elaborates that these luxurious materials and designs were meant to project the status of their affluent owners.

Common themes in Boulle’s clocks include representations of figures such as Venus and Cupid, celebrating love and existence. Additionally, depictions of Father Time, often shown with a scythe, serve as poignant reminders of the transient nature of time.

The Guardian observes that while Boulle’s clocks are adorned with opulent decorations, their dials remain simple and precise, emphasizing the clarity of timekeeping. The symbols present invite viewers to embrace life, encouraging them to appreciate the moment rather than fear the passage of time.

Complementing the timepieces, the exhibition features artworks from the Enlightenment era that reflect similar ideas about time. Among these is Nicolas Poussin’s A Dance to the Music of Time (1634-6), which illustrates the cyclical nature of time through four figures that embody the seasons dancing to the tune of Father Time, depicted on the lyre. Another significant piece on display is François Anguier’s The Borghese Dancers (1642), a stunning bronze relief illustrating mythological figures representing the Horae, who symbolize time and the transitions of the seasons.

“Keeping Time: Clocks by Boulle” is on display at the Wallace Collection in London until March 2, 2025.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com