Rare Eugene Bagues Dark and Bright Bronze French Cartel Clock With Putti

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This exceptional 1920s French bronze cartel clock by Eugène Baguès is a masterful expression of Parisian decorative arts, combining the … Read more This exceptional 1920s French bronze cartel clock by Eugène Baguès is a masterful expression of Parisian decorative arts, combining the theatrical richness of the Louis XV revival with the impeccable craftsmanship for which Baguès is renowned. Executed in finely cast and chased bronze, the clock presents a dramatic vertical composition centered by a circular enamel dial with Roman numerals, elegant blued-steel hands, and finely balanced proportions. The dial is framed by an ornate rocaille cartouche, richly sculpted with scrolling foliage and shell motifs, creating a luminous focal point against the wall.

Flanking and surmounting the dial are exuberant putti figures, rendered in dark patinated bronze to heighten contrast and sculptural depth. Their dynamic poses—one reaching, the other tumbling—introduce movement and narrative, a hallmark of high-quality French bronzework of the period. Above, the architectural crest rises with classical symmetry, crowned by an urn finial and accented with acanthus leaves, masks, and scrolling volutes, all meticulously chased to catch and reflect light. The interplay between gilt and patinated surfaces gives the clock remarkable visual richness from every angle.

Clocks of this caliber were designed not merely as timepieces, but as decorative centerpieces, intended for grand salons, libraries, or above mantelpieces in refined interiors. The scale, ornamentation, and precision of execution place this example firmly in the luxury category, appealing equally to collectors of French clocks and connoisseurs of early 20th-century decorative arts.

About Eugène Baguès and the Baguès legacy:
Founded in Paris in the mid-19th century, Eugène Baguès began as a bronze foundry and rose to prominence as one of France’s most prestigious makers of lighting and decorative metalwork. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Baguès was celebrated for its mastery of bronze casting, chasing, gilding, and later, electrified lighting. The firm became especially associated with luxurious chandeliers, wall sconces, mirrors, and clocks inspired by Louis XV, Louis XVI, and neoclassical models, often reinterpreted with early modern elegance.

Pieces bearing the Baguès name were favored by elite decorators and discerning clients for their exceptional quality and unmistakable Parisian sophistication. Today, authentic Baguès works—particularly large-scale bronzes such as cartel clocks—are highly sought after, valued for their artistry, historical importance, and enduring decorative impact.


Dimensions: 43 inches high x 16 inches wide x 8 inches deep. See less