Jan Mark Juntes (1730?-1802): A masterpiece of burl walnut craftsmanship, this long-case clock with an automated brass dial is a testament to exceptional artistry. 225062.

Jan Mark Juntes is listed in J. Zeeman's book De Nederlandse Staande Klok as a prominent clockmaker working in Amsterdam during the second half of the 18th century. Zeeman's listing mentions that Juntes was included in the 1767 list of notable shopkeepers and in 1790, was a co-signer of the request for a clockmakers' guild. He worked in various European cities and exported night clocks to the East Indies. He may have been associated with Breguet.

Dutch tall clocks of the mid-century often include exceptional dials that frequently display automation. This dial does not disappoint. The multi-colored composite brass dial is attractive. The perimeter of the dial is engraved with a decorative border. The time ring, also known as a chapter ring, is applied to the brass base sheet. The engraved information includes Arabic five-minute markers positioned along the perimeter. They are separated from the Roman-style hour numerals by a traditionally formed Dutch-style segmented minute ring. Engraved flourishes are placed between each hour. The Maker's name and working location are engraved in the lower section of this chapter ring. Decorative blue steel hands show the time. The center section of this dial is matted and features several displays, including the subsidiary seconds on a separate dial beneath the twelve-hour numeral. Inside this display is a square aperture that shows the calendar day numerically. The day of the week and the zodiac symbol for that day are displayed to the right of the seconds ring. To the left is the month of the year and the number of days in each month. Painted human representations are included in these displays for each. Positioned in the lower center section of the dial is a painted lunar calendar. The painted representation of the moon is set against a deep blue painted sky illuminated by numerous painted stars. The lunar calendar date is engraved along the perimeter of this dial. The framing of the various windows are embellished with engravings, and the winding arbors are ring-turned. The small disk around the center arbor is used to set the clock's alarm function. Four applied cast brass rococo spandrels frame the time ring. These are finished in a silver wash. In the lunette of this dial is a colorfully hand-painted view of the capital city, Amsterdam, and its harbor. The dials' automation is in the foreground. Four of the six painted sailing ships move side to side, with the pendulum's motion as it swings back and forth. In addition to the ships, two mermaids bob up and down in the waves.

Maker's name and working location are engraved in the lower section of this chapter ring. The matted center section of this dial features a subsidiary seconds on a separate dial beneath the twelve-hour numeral. The interior features a square aperture that displays the current day of the calendar. The day of the week and the zodiac symbol for that day are displayed to the right of the seconds display. To the left is the month of the year and the number of days in each month. Painted human representations for each are included in the displays. A painted lunar calendar and a phase of the moon display are located in the lower center section of the dial. The painted moon is set against a deep blue painted sky illuminated by numerous painted stars. The lunar calendar date is displayed along the perimeter of this display. The interior mat is skillfully engraved, and the winding arbors are ring-turned. A disk around the center arbor is used for setting the clock's alarm function. The four spandrel areas are fitted with cast brass rococo spandrels. These are finished in silver. In the lunette of this dial is a beautifully hand-painted view of Amsterdam, the capital city, and its harbor. At the forefront of this is automation. Four of the six painted ships move side to side, with the pendulum's motion swinging back and forth. In addition to the ships, two mermaids bob up and down in the waves.

The time, strike, and alarm movement of this clock is a testament to its excellent quality. Constructed in brass with an eight-day duration, the movement features two massive brass plates supported by five posts. Steel arbors support the brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and recoil escapement, while two sizeable brass-covered lead weights power it. This movement features a Dutch striking format that requires two separate bells, striking the hour on the large bell and the coming hour on the smaller one at the half-hour. The clock also features an alarm wound by pulling on a cord inside the case.

This clock case features outstanding burl walnut veneers that are thoughtfully laid out. The modern shellac finish enhances the vibrant grain patterns, and its deep, rich chocolate color is exceptional. The cabinet's proportions are excellent, and its scale is impressive. It is elevated off the floor on feet. The front two ball-and-claw feet are carved with powerful, jointed fingers. These are applied to a boldly formed base molding. The base section is a complete bombe design with broad canted corners. The waist section is long and narrow. Its canted corners accentuate the case's narrow proportions. The waist door is nicely shaped and trimmed with applied molding. Finely carved floral patterns are applied to the top and bottom of the door. An opening in the center, allowing one to view the pendulum's motion, is framed with a fancy gilt brass frame. This rococo molding includes a cherub's head at the top. In the center is a woman riding a bull—Zeus's seduction and capture of Europa. The door is veneered with book-matched flitches.

The bonnet is designed with an arch-molded stepped pediment. Several panels are fitted with blind frets back with a colored silk cloth. A decorative carved element is prominently featured in the center of the hood's design. The arched bonnet door is veneered, and its opening is fitted with glass. The large bonnet columns terminate in brass capitals and bases. These are applied to the door frame. Surmounting this case are three wooden finials, covered in a gilt wash. The center finial depicts Hercules holding the world on his shoulders.

This outstanding tall clock was made circa 1760. In its present form, this clock measures approximately inches tall to the top of the center finial.

Inventory number 225062.