This spring-driven eight-day clock descended in the Marshall family and is believed to have originally belonged to John Marshall. While Marshall's home and many of his other possessions reflect his taste for the more restrained American Federal style popular in the late 18th century, this clock, with its elaborate gilt bronze decoration, neoclassical support columns, and airy feel is typical of the later French Empire style. Marshall's growing taste for more elaborate French objects may have been a result of his diplomatic trip to France in 1797 and later ties with the country. He is known to have brought back jewelry for Mrs. Marshall with him from Paris and the Marshalls' porcelain set is also French.