Although only fragments of the clock case remain and the fire gilding that originally contributed greatly to the splendour of the object is no longer present or visible, this work of art still has a strong aura and visual power.
The historical photo shows the clock in its original condition. The figure of Apollo, the candlestick arms and the base inlaid with Boulle marquetry are among the losses. Originally, it measured approx. 2.40 m – an incredible size for a cast brass object. There are only a few comparable works of art. Of the palm tree trunk clocks, only the two preserved in Dresden are known – there is a counterpart to the piece on display, which is currently stored in the depot.
The attribution to Latz goes back to an entry in his death inventory from 1754: ‘A palm tree as a pendulum clock, ... serving as a model’. The weight is given as 230 livres – approx. 113 kg – which suggests an enormously large model. It is believed that it served as a model for the creation of this pendulum clock.
It is hard to imagine that this clock once had a similarly shiny gold and finely chiselled surface, as can be seen on the fittings of the other pieces of furniture. The intense heat during the bombing in February 1945 caused extreme damage to the piece.
Object information
Jean-Pierre Latz (attributed)
Movement: Gault A Paris, only the dial remains
Paris, around 1750
Cast brass, fire-gilded, enamel
Dimensions: H: 186 x W: 52 x D: 29 cm
Kunstgewerbemuseum, Inv.Nr. 52901