French Museum Ormolu Mantle Clock, Paris, 1820

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Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a … Read more Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a rectangular gilded base on four conical feet with chiselling, relief ornaments applied to the front of the base with trombone angels and volutes mirrored on the sides, fire bowl carried by eagles in the centre, as an attribute of divine, above an arch of patinated bronze representing the passage of time and the zodiak, spanning the drum-shaped clockwork with a dial framed by a gilded border with fine decorations, and richly adorned with floating clouds of gilded bronze, crowned by a chariot drawn by two doves with a cherub holding the bow of love. In comparison, the depiction of Apollo with his chariot travelling through the zodiac was a popular theme of the time. White enamel dial painted with black Roman hour numerals, minute divisions, French 7-day movement, smooth pendulum on thread suspension with half-hour and hour striking on bell. Movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present. Pendulum clock from the Restoration period around 1820, based on Pierre-Philippe THOMIRE (1751-1843): Thomire was considered the most important Parisian bronze caster of the last quarter of the 18th century and the first decades of the following century. At the beginning of his career, he worked for Pierre Gouthière, ciseleur-fondeur du roi, and in the mid-1770s he began his collaboration with Louis Prieur. Later, he became one of the bronze casters at the Manufacture Royale de Sèvres and created the bronze fittings for most of the important creations of that period. After the Revolution, he bought the stock of Martin-Eloi Lignereux and became the main supplier of bronze fittings for castles and imperial palaces. He also worked for a wealthy private clientele from France and abroad, including several of Napoleon's marshals. Thomire retired in 1823. 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 in Paris, France, around 1820 Fire-gilded and patinated bronze Dimensions: Height: 28,0 cm / 11.02 in Width: 25,0 cm / 9.84 in Depth: 10,0 cm / 3.93 in Weight: 3.100 Grams / 109.12 oz / 99.67 troy oz Condition: Very well maintained overall condition, movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present. See less