A Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock by Imbert L'Aine, Circa 1780

The white enamelled circular dial inscribed with Roman and Arabic numerals, headed by ribbon-tied fruited foliate garlands, flanked by a patinated bronze allegorical figure of Astronomy and resting on a collection of books and to the side a compass, ruler scroll and globe. The rectangular-shaped base carved with paterae and incorporating bracket feet, the dial signed Imbert L’aine A Paris.

Imbert Jean Gabriel L’aine, maitre-horloger in 1776

This L’Astronomie model of clock is recurrent in late 18th Century French pendules and can be found on related clocks illustrated in DIE FRANZOISISCHE  P82 No 126 by Julien Le Roy. ENCYLOCPEDIA DE LA PENDULE FRANCAIS P253 No E by Julien Le Roy. VERGOLDETE BRONZEN P534 No 16 by Delaruelle with the case stamped by Saint Germain.