early life and career jacques nicolas pierre francois dubuc, also known as dubuc l'ainé, was a parisian clockmaker who was active in paris from the final years of the reign of louis xvi to the early years of the empire. born in 1743 in paris, france, dubuc was part of a family of skilled craftsmen and artists. his work as a clockmaker led him to produce elegant mantel clocks for export to the american market following george washington's death in december 1799. notable works one of his most notable works is the george washington mantle clock, which showcases his skill in creating intricate an…