Empire Parisian Mercury-Gilt Bronze Statue Table Clock, France

Details

Description

Parisian-style table clock from the Empire period (circa 1810-1815), in mercury-gilt bronze (ormolu) with a double patina (burnished and chiseled … Read more Parisian-style table clock from the Empire period (circa 1810-1815), in mercury-gilt bronze (ormolu) with a double patina (burnished and chiseled with a polished/matte finish).

The allegorical subject is of neoclassical inspiration, linked to the arts, poetry, and military virtue or the hero's departure.

Subject and Composition: To the left of the clock face is a male figure in classical attire with a plumed headdress, playing a lyre. At the top of the case is an open lectern with a musical score engraved in bronze. To the right is a trophy of arms composed of a shield, a ceremonial/crusader sword, a flag, and a finely chiseled plumed helmet.

Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals for the hours, burnished/openwork steel hands, surrounded by an embossed vegetal and floral garland. Below the dial is a basket-shaped vase of flowers.

Base and Frieze: The rectangular base features a continuous bas-relief with a figurative outdoor scene (a garden or park with cypress trees and a balustrade): a couple in period dress holding hands in the center, flanked by allegorical figures with musical instruments (lyre, harp) and military/chivalric attributes.

Feet: The clock rests on four flattened spherical feet with knurling around the perimeter.

Quality and Conservation: The bronze engraving is particularly sharp and detailed (evident in the helmet mail, the feathers, and the draperies), with the original mercury gilding well preserved and of excellent brilliance.

Movement: Original with wire suspension, serviced and in working order.

Dimensions: 34 x 13 cm, height 45 cm. See less