c.1820 Reiche Empire Gilt Ormolu Bronze Clock – 1 Pc

Details

Description

c.1820 French Empire Ormolu Gilt Bronze Clock by Reiche – Documented Royal Tribute
Presenting a magnificent early 19th-century French Empire … Read more c.1820 French Empire Ormolu Gilt Bronze Clock by Reiche – Documented Royal Tribute
Presenting a magnificent early 19th-century French Empire ormolu mantel clock, crafted circa 1820 and attributed to the celebrated bronzier Jean-André Reiche. This museum-quality fire-gilded bronze masterpiece was created as a royal tribute commemorating the birth of Henri d’Artois, Duke of Bordeaux, famously known as L’enfant du Miracle.
This important historical clock is documented in major horological reference works, confirming both its authenticity and its significance among early 19th-century French bronzes.

Official Literature References
This exact model appears in:
La Pendule Française by Pierre Kjellberg — p. 429 F
French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser — p. 165
Such publication references dramatically enhance the clock’s provenance, rarity, and investment credibility.

✨ Design, Symbolism & Composition
This clock is a quintessential example of the French Empire style, combining neoclassical architectural forms with deeply symbolic royal iconography. Its composition is derived from an original drawing by Jean-André Reiche, one of Napoleon I’s and Louis XVIII’s most renowned bronziers.

Sculptural Scene & Symbolism
The scene pays tribute to the birth of Henri d’Artois through a richly detailed tableau:
Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry, seated and nursing her infant son—symbol of royal continuity.
Louise d’Artois, kneeling in prayer—representing faith and dynastic hope.
Wicker cradle, pillows, textiles—evoking aristocratic domestic intimacy.
Sphinx-headed herm figures & draped neoclassical architecture—classic Empire motifs signifying stability, virtue, and noble lineage.
Every element is rendered with extraordinary realism and emotional nuance, marking this as one of the most poetically composed Empire clocks ever produced.

Fire-Gilded Ormolu (Mercury Gilding)
The clock features original mercury fire-gilding, characterized by:
Brilliant, warm gold tone
Deep, durable surface with centuries-old luster
Crisp contrast between matte and burnished gilt areas
The exceptional chasing and casting highlight the folds of drapery, facial features, and architectural ornamentation—hallmarks of Reiche’s workshop.

Movement & Functionality
High-quality French pendulum movement, known for precision and longevity
Fully professionally serviced, cleaned, and oiled
Running beautifully at the time of listing
Bell strike and pendulum mechanism typical of Empire-period clocks
This piece is not only decorative but fully functional.

Dimensions
Height: 44 cm (17.3 in)
Width: 32 cm (12.6 in)
Depth: 15 cm (5.9 in)
A commanding yet refined size suitable for mantels, consoles, library shelves, or display cabinets.

Condition
Very good antique condition for its age (c.1820)
Fire-gilded ormolu beautifully preserved with minimal, appropriate age patina
No structural losses to bronze or sculpture
Movement professionally serviced and functioning correctly
100% authentic and verified by multiple published references
This example is among the best preserved known specimens of this documented model.

Historical Importance
This clock commemorates the birth of the posthumous son of the assassinated Duke of Berry—a political and symbolic event celebrated across the Restoration-era monarchy. Henri d’Artois represented the hope of the Bourbon dynasty, and objects honoring him are exceedingly rare, especially those of this sculptural quality.
The emotional domestic representation of the royal family marks a shift in royal imagery of the era, making this clock historically and artistically groundbreaking.

⭐ Why This Clock Is an Extraordinary Acquisition
Rare, museum-quality documented French Empire clock
Attributed to Jean-André Reiche, one of history’s greatest bronziers
Exceptional fire-gilded ormolu and sculptural detail
High investment value due to published references and royal subject matter
Ideal for serious collectors, museums, and prestigious interiors
This piece represents the pinnacle of early 19th-century French bronze artistry.

Shipping & Packaging
Professionally packed for maximum protection
Fully insured and tracked shipment
No assembly required—ready for immediate display

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Masterpiece
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest, fully documented French Empire ormolu clocks with direct ties to royal history and original Reiche design. Its beauty, symbolism, craftsmanship, and provenance make it a true masterpiece for the discerning collector. See less