French Ormolu Table Clock, 1840

Details

Description

Fire-gilded bronze table clock: a childlike bacchanal seated on a wine barrel under an arched vine arbour, holding grapes and … Read more Fire-gilded bronze table clock: a childlike bacchanal seated on a wine barrel under an arched vine arbour, holding grapes and a wine glass in his hands, on an oval base with an appliquéd relief ornament on the front: crossed thyrsus rods entwined with vine leaves and a mascaron. The clock with a spring-wound spindle mechanism, a power reserve of 1 day, an enamel dial in white with black Roman numerals, is integrated into the front of the barrel. Movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present. As early as the second half of the 18th century, the fireplace had become established as a place to set up clocks – initially in the castles of France. Special clocks with a monumental character were developed for this location, which was very important in terms of the room's effect. The visualisation of the technical construction of the clockwork took a back seat. The clock had become an occasion for a small sculpture at eye level. The themes changed. Before the French Revolution, the theme was time itself: dawn, evening, youth, mortality. The Napoleonic era needed heroes, gods, brave and loyal citizens. In the second decade of the 19th century, the themes became less controversial – depictions of festivities, lovers and goddesses of fertility increased. Made around 1840 Dimensions: Height: 20,0 cm / 7.87 in Width: 16,0 cm / 6.29 in Depth: 8,0 cm / 3.14 in Weight: 1060 Grams / 34.08 troy oz Condition: Very well maintained overall condition, movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present. See less