European Clocks in the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Trust Publications : J. Paul Getty Museum) [Hardcover]

Gillian Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0892362545 | ISBN-13: 978-0892362547 | Edition: 1

Among the finest examples of European craftsmanship are the clocks produced for the luxury trade in the eighteenth century. The J. Paul Getty Museum is fortunate to have in its Decorative Arts collection twenty clocks from the period 1680-1798; eighteen produced in France and two in Germany. The demonstrate the extraordinary workmanship that went into both the design and execution of the cases and the intricate movements by which the clocks operated. In this handsome volume, each clock is pictured and discussed in detail, and each movement diagrammed and described. In addition, biographies of the clock makers and enamelers are included, as are indexes of the names of the makers, previous owners, and locations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Among the finest examples of European craftsmanship are the clocks produce for the luxury trade in the eighteenth century. The J. Paul Getty Museum has in its decorative arts collection twenty of these clocks dating from around 1680 to 1798. Eighteen were produced in France, and two in Germany. These clocks demonstrate the extraordinary workmanship that went into both the design and the execution of the cases and the intricate movements by which the clocks operated. European Clocks In The J. Paul Getty Museum is a wonderfully handsome book with each clock pictured and discussed in detail. Each movement is both diagrammed and described. In addition, biographies of the clockmakers and enamelers are included, as are indexes of the names of the makers, previous owners, and locations. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (August 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892362545
• ISBN-13: 978-0892362547
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Clocks & Watches

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars handsome clock collection, comprehensively described, January 17, 2010

By 

Ivor E. Zetler (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: European Clocks in the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Trust Publications : J. Paul Getty Museum) (Hardcover)

This catalogue describes 20 clocks; 18 are French and 2 are of German origin. The Amazon product information gives an accurate description of what might be seen in the book.

The clocks were said to be acquired more for their cases and value as furniture rather than for the clock movements. The clocks are not maintained in working order. The French pieces are of the typically ornate style of the period. Three are particularly interesting; one is a terra cotta model for a mantel clock, another is a wall clock with an attractive Chantilly porcelain case. The third is an elegant and attractive "pendule squelette" mantel clock which has the movement exposed. Additionally there are a significant number of gilded wall and mantel clocks.

I make no claim at any expertise in this area but the pieces seem to be of a very high quality. They are comprehensively described and the printing and color reproduction is of a high standard. A self recommending issue for enthusiasts of this area of decorative art.