catalog text
FRENCH EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE MANTEL CLOCK ON ROUGE MARBLE BASE
Exceptionally well detailed, c. 1815
Item # 411PKW17W
This is a very fine example of period workmanship from the French Empire. The casting quality is nearly of jewelry grade, even the smallest details captured in the cast, then filed and chased into perfection. The figural captures a soldier leaning on his golden staff and closing his eyes for a few moments of rest with his implements of war on the ground beside him. He is a complex piece that is cast in many parts, these joined together beneath the patina into two primary sections, the seam of which is ingeniously hidden by the flow of his tunic - the upper half is secured with an anchor that travels inside of the lower half of the figural and into the clock housing. His facial features are noteworthy, as rarely is such care shown to the formation of the eyes - each eye lid is flawlessly cast with remarkable realism. The silk suspension movement remains in impeccable condition, stamped verso with a five-point star and "137" "7-2" and scratched in the brass "08972". The movement and figural rest on the rouge marble base, this mounted with a stunning display of weaponry embellished with Ram, Lion and Leviathan motifs around a wreath focal point. The entire clock rests over flared feet with circular rosette returns.
All of our clocks are sold with "service needed", as we do not have them serviced prior to shipping since they often need to be serviced upon receipt. This is a truly exceptional and quite rare investment grade work of art from the first Empire, an object that will certainly be a cherished part of any carefully selected collection.
Measurements: 22" H x 16 3/8" W x 5 3/4" D
Condition Report:
Chips to marble, as pictured in the slideshow (mostly to the corners) along with some marble repairs; minor patina wear and light verdigris oxidization, though overall the patina remains in exceptional condition; oxidization to gilding; roman numerals worn from the dial face; winding key is a modern replacement; staff is lifted a bit from it's well in the marble; feet with some wiggle; clock movement is complete with all components but is untested for functionality - these will usually need to be professionally cleaned and serviced upon arrival. Please review all images in the slideshow for a full overview of condition.
