A mantel clock representing an incident in the struggle between the Sabines and the Romans and an interpretation of Jacques-Louis David's painting when the Sabine women intervene to reconcile the warring parties. Romulus, to the right, is poised to hurl h

Keeping Time: Clocks in the Royal Collection

Extraordinary timepieces in the Royal Collection, 1630-1830

      VINCENNES PORCELAIN FACTORY (1738-56)

      The Sunflower clock

      c. 1752

      RCIN 30240

      The dial of this French clock replicates the centre of a sunflower, a symbol used by the Sun King, Louis XIV of France. The clock is surrounded by porcelain flowers on stems, and each flower is accompanied by the correct leaves.  The stems are removable, and it is possible that the porcelain flowers were used only in the winter months, being replaced by real specimens during the summer.  George IV (1762-1830), who was an ardent admirer of French works of art, acquired this clock in 1819.

        Quick Links

        Official Royal Residences

        Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection, one of the world’s great art collections. Income from your visit helps us to conserve and share the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone, wherever they are.