Louis XVI Neoclassical Gilded Cartel Wall Clock - Laurel Wreath & Acanthus Frame

Design & Inspiration

Some clocks merely mark time. This one commands the wall. Inspired by the refined vocabulary of French Louis XVI cartel clocks — those gilded wall-mounted timepieces that were as much sculpture as horology — this piece draws the eye upward along a diamond-shaped lattice of intertwined laurel branches before settling on the round enamel-white dial at its centre. The crown above is a classical urn finial flanked by crossed arrows and acanthus leaves, the very motifs that defined the Neoclassical aesthetic of late 18th-century Versailles.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is hand-carved and finished in a warm gold leaf, rendered with the depth and shadowing that separates genuine artisan work from cast reproductions. Acanthus leaf clusters at the centre and base anchor the composition, while the continuous laurel-branch lattice that forms the outer diamond speaks to the Neoclassical obsession with classical antiquity. The clock dial features Arabic numerals on an aged white ground, housed in a circular bezel wrapped in its own garland of carved leaves. The quartz movement ensures quiet, reliable timekeeping without distracting from the piece's visual presence.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, the clock carries the visual weight its proportions demand without imposing structurally on the wall. The elongated vertical format — characteristic of the cartel style — makes it ideal for tall walls in formal rooms where a standard round clock would read as too modest. Every carved element is finished by hand, with gilding applied to highlight the relief depth of each leaf and scroll.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Each clock is produced in our Egyptian workshops by craftsmen trained in the European classical tradition. Brass & Wood combines Old World design fidelity with the skill and dedication of Egyptian artisanship, delivering a piece that honours the Louis XVI legacy without compromise. Customisation in brass finish colour is available — contact us to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this clock made from?

The frame is constructed from solid wood and resin composite, hand-carved and finished with gold-toned gilding. The clock mechanism is a silent quartz movement, and the dial face is set behind a glass crystal lens.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the clock arrives largely complete and needs only to have its hanging hardware positioned and the battery inserted into the quartz movement.

Can this clock be customised?

Yes. The gilded finish is available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold variants. Additional customisation options can be discussed directly with our team at Brass & Wood.