Reminiscent of the bold Neoclassicism of Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, this clock represents a variety of the Liberal Arts: the putto holding a stylus in his hand and contemplating what he has just sketched symbolizes Drawing; the books on which he is seating evoke Literature; while the chisel, mallet and study head behind him are three classical attributes of Sculpture. The figure of the rooster symbolizes not only dawn triumphant over night, but is also a symbol for France.

The figure of the putto derives most likely from the oeuvre of François Duquesnoy (known as François Flamand, 1597-1643), a collaborator of Bernini. Duquesnoy was also known as Fattore de Putti for creating a wide range of child figures in various poses. A marble sculpture depicting an almost identical putto by a follower of Duquesnoy was sold Le Goût Steinitz, III; Christie's, London, 6 December 2007, lot 300. A clock of this model is now in the Musée du Design in Bordeaux (inv. no. 85.2.8) and another, where the rooster is substituted by a globe, is preserved in the Musée National du Château de Fontainebleau (inv. no. F 874 C).