A RARE PAIR OF LATE LOUIS XVI LONGCASE CLOCK AND BAROMETER BY LEPAUTE 'HOROLOGER DU ROI'

June 9 2009, 3:15pm

The Lepaute dynasty began with Jean-André Lepaute (1720-1787 or 89). He was Horologer du Roi and “one of the Eighteenth Century's most significant builders of pendulum clocks.” He worked with his brother, Jean-Baptiste, until they both retired in 1774. The firm was then taken over by Jean André's nephews, Pierre-Henry and Pierre-Basile Lepaute, who also became horologers du roi. As the technology for clock mechanisms advanced, specifically with the advent of longer pendulums for more accurate time keeping, the design of clock cases likewise evolved. Clock cases large enough to accommodate the long pendulums became pieces of furniture in themselves and part of the interior decoration schemes. The pair is rare in that both clock and barometer have remained together. The signature used on the present clock and barometer, “Lepaute/Hger du Roi,” was employed until 1792, indicating their probable execution by the Lepaute nephews.