Louis Moinet Gilt Bronze "Minerva" Clock, Paris

Neoclassical French patinated and gilt bronze chime clock, the movement by Louis Moinet (1758-1853), the case likely by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), featuring a Roman goddess figure, probably Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom and War, leaning against a bronze plinth topped with books and decorated with a rooster and torches. The plinth is raised on a larger rectangular base with bas-relief ornamentation including a winged figure with tablet and cherub, a globe and other objects emblematic of learning and education. Silvered circular dial with Roman numerals and steel hands, enclosed in gilt anthemion banding. Works marked "L Moinet A. Paris". 22"H x 15"W x 6"D. Circa 1825. Note: Both Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe purchased clocks made by Louis Moinet. Jefferson's clock was used in the White House and now resides at Monticello; in 1817 Monroe commissioned the "Minerva" clock (somewhat similar to this one but entirely in gilt bronze), which has adorned the White House Blue Room for more than 2 centuries. Louis Moinet was an important horologist, scholar and inventory who served as President of the Chronometry Society in Paris and taught at the Academie des Beaux-Arts. He was secretary to the eminent clockmaker Abraham Louis Breguet and in 1851 presented a chronometer at the Great Exhibition of London. He and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire produced a number of important clocks for world leaders in the first half of the 19th century, including Napoleon Bonaparte, George IV of England and Tsar Alexander of Russia.

Estate of Judge John Nixon, Nashville, Tennessee.
Condition Report: Tiny scratch and small area of light discoloration to subject's hand. Wear/oxidation to dial. Key present. Escapement not visible. Works appear to be complete but not tested.