Rare Collection of 18th-Century Clocks Acquired

The Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the acquisition of an extraordinary collection of fifty 18th-century European clocks. Gifted by a prominent anonymous collector, this ensemble represents one of the most significant troves of horological masterpieces ever to enter a public institution in the United States.

Spanning from the late 17th century through the early 19th century, the collection highlights the incredible intersection of advanced mechanical engineering and superlative artistic craftsmanship. The timepieces range from monumental, gilded-bronze French mantel clocks to incredibly complex, multi-dial astronomical longcase clocks crafted by master horologists in London and Geneva.

One of the crowning jewels of the donation is a magnificent 'elephant' clock attributed to the workshop of the legendary Parisian bronzier Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain. Standing nearly three feet tall, the piece features a remarkably detailed patinated bronze elephant supporting a gilded drum containing the movement, all resting upon a base of exotic rocaille scrollwork.

The museum's conservation team faces a unique challenge, as the donor specifically requested that all fifty clocks remain in fully operational condition. A dedicated team of horological conservators has been assembled to meticulously clean, lubricate, and regulate the complex gear trains, fusees, and escapements, ensuring that these historical instruments continue to keep accurate time.

The collection will be permanently installed in a newly renovated suite of galleries specifically designed to manage the delicate acoustics required to appreciate the varying chimes. Starting this fall, visitors will be able to experience the incredibly rare auditory spectacle of these fifty masterpieces striking the hour in near-perfect unison.