Empire Mantel Clock, Paris, 1820s

Description

Mantel clock - la bibliotheque - in the study room

paris
fire-gilt bronze, enamel
empire around 1820

dimensions: h x … more Mantel clock - la bibliotheque - in the study room

paris
fire-gilt bronze, enamel
empire around 1820

dimensions: h x w x d: 38 x 28 x 19 cm

:
scenery mounted on an oval base decorated with applied flower garlands. Two children, seated on small stools, are reading books. In the background we see a bookshelf with the embedded clock face.

the dial is signed: le roi et fils.

clockwork with thread suspension of the pendulum and quarter-hour striking mechanism on two bells.

the bronze is very detailed. The children's hairstyles are finely crafted and we can see an authentic drapery in the clothing.
the many individual parts of the figures are fitted together so perfectly that they appear to be "cast from a single mould".
the chaser has succeeded in bringing out the different materialities through the surface hatching, matting and polishing.

condition:
the movement has been completely overhauled and runs perfectly.

variations of this very famous clock are illustrated in the following specialised books, among others:
elke niehüser - die französische bronzeuhr p. 184
tardy - la pendule francaise 2eme partie p. 385
patrimonio nacional madrid - catalogo de relojes p. 222 this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution less