Napoleon III portico clock, second half of the 19th century.

Napoleon III portico clock, second half of the nineteenth century.
Boulle type marquetry in walnut wood.
With pendulum.
Presents faults in the dial.
Measurements: 55 × 26 × 12 cm.

Clock of architectural structure, characteristic of the Napoleon III style, made of walnut wood, whose dark patina harmonizes with the Boullé marquetry that decorates the whole, combining inlay, metal inlays and polychrome enamels.

The Boullée of the plinth consists of borders and stylized floral motifs made in gilded metal, along with enamels in red, blue and white tones, highlighting a central medallion with an enameled butterfly. The pediment repeats this ornamentation with variations, as do the front pilasters, creating a balanced ensemble of great decorative richness.

The enameled dial, with Roman numerals, is framed by ornamentation in gilded bronze. The pendulum, also gilded, has plant motifs in relief, in keeping with the decorative exuberance of the whole.

This work is representative of the decorative eclecticism of the Second Empire, where historicist taste meets the technical virtuosity of Boulle marquetry.