Henri-Charles Balthazar
known as Charles Balthazar
Clockmaker
Henri-Charles Balthazar is one of the most important Parisian clockmakers of the reign of Louis XV. After becoming a master on March 26, 1717, he opened his workshop in the place Dauphine, later moving to the cloître Saint-Germain de l’Auxerrois and the rue du Roule. Within just a few years he had acquired an excellent reputation, receiving the coveted title of Horloger de Mesdames filles de France. Like the finest artisans of the period, he worked with the best bronziers and cabinetmakers for the cases of his clocks, including Joseph de Saint-Germain, Jacques Dubois, Jean-François Oeben, and Balthazar Lieutaud. He received commissions from the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne and could also boast of a wealthy private clientele including the Count d’Armentières, the connoisseur Nicolas Chuppin, Treasurer of the Marc d’or, the Marquis de Saint-Georges and the Russian Ambassador to Paris.
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