This longcase clock came in pairs. The first one, the premier parti, is part of the Zuylenburgh Collection. The other one, the contre parti is on display in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The clock movements of these two longcase clocks were made by Andries Vermeulen, at the beginning of the 18th century one of Holland’s best clockmakers. Like his older contemporary Bernard Van Der Cloesen he was born in Emmerik. He settled in Amsterdam where he soon became famous.
The maker of the longcase itself is unknown. He might have been a Frenchman, specialised in the Boulle technique of inlays, but it also might have been ordered at the Boulle ateliers themselves. The longcase is made of oak, veneered with ebony, tortoiseshell on red ground, brass, pewter and mother-of-pearl. The shape is typically Dutch.
Andre Charles Boulle
The Frenchman André Charles Boulle (1642-1732) was one of Europe’s leading cabinetmakers
André Charles Boulle (1642-1732)
and preeminent in the field of marquetry. He learned the trade from his father and in 1672 was allowed to establish himself at the Louvre palace. He soon became one of Louis XIV’s favourite cabinet and marquetery makers. Though he didn’t actually invent the style he became famous for nor the motives he used, no artist, before or since, has used them with such an astonishing skill, courage and surety. His name even became synonymous with his art.
In 1715 Boulle’s sons took over the workshops, but Boulle himself kept playing an active part. Boulle’s designs were heavily copied all over Europe and stayed into fashion well into the 19th century.
Boulle was addicted to collecting art and precious objects and notwithstanding the popularity of his designs and the financial protection of Louis XIV, he was often on the verge of bankruptcy. He died in 1732, full of fame, years and debts and in a good humour.