Jean Pierre Latz - Wall Clock, France

Jean-Pierre Latz was a French cabinetmaker working during the Rococo period. He was born around 1691 in the city of Liege, which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands. Latz moved to Paris in the early 18th century and established himself as a master cabinetmaker. Latz became known for his ornate and elaborate furniture designs, which featured intricate carving, gilding and marquetry. His pieces often incorporated exotic materials such as ebony, ivory, tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl. Latz's work was highly sought after by the French aristocracy and he received commissions from prominent figures such as Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV. One of Latz's most famous works is the commode he made for Madame de Pompadour's private apartments at the Château de Bellevue. The commode is decorated with floral motifs and has a central medallion with a portrait of Madame de Pompadour. It is now in the Wallace Collection in London. Latz died in Paris in 1754, but his legacy lives on through his influential designs and the many apprentices he trained throughout his career. Today his work is regarded as some of the finest examples of Rococo furniture and is highly prized by collectors and museums around the world.