Gilles de Beefe (1694-1763). Active in Liege from... Lot 535

Gilles de Beefe (1694-1763). Active in Liege from 1726, becomes in 1740 watchmaker of the first bishop Georges-Louis de Berghes and receives the title of watchmaker of his Highness the prince, then the watchmaker of the cathedral Saint-Lambert in 1752. Rare "Religieuse" clock with complications. Ring-shaped dial in metal on engraved brass, bordered by four spandrels, displaying in its upper part in arcade, the phases and the age of the moon. In the centre of the dial the date, the day of the week, the months of the year, indicated by a crown numbered from 1 to 12. The bell has two gongs. The back plate, held by four balusters, finely engraved with foliage scrolls surrounding a medallion bearing the signature Gilles de Beefe in Liege. It rests on four arched and leafy legs each ending in a scroll. A small drawer in the belt. Carved and moulded wood case, inlaid with copper nets and bone motifs. Signed on the back and on the dial. Good quality. Liege. Circa 1750. Dimensions : 50 x 27 x 20 cm.