Superb Figural Bronze With Cherubs by Samuel Marti Sold by Barrd & Vignon

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Description

This magnificent French gilt bronze figural clock by Samuel Marti, retailed by the prestigious Parisian firm Barraud et Vignon, is … Read more This magnificent French gilt bronze figural clock by Samuel Marti, retailed by the prestigious Parisian firm Barraud et Vignon, is an exceptional example of late 19th-century French horological and decorative artistry. Lavishly cast in bronze and finished in a rich, luminous gilt, the clock embodies the theatrical elegance and sculptural refinement that defined France’s finest mantel clocks of the period.

The composition is centered by a finely enameled circular dial with Roman numerals, elegant pierced hands, and a beaded bezel, all framed within an elaborate rococo-inspired case. The case rises in an exuberant sculptural flourish of scrolling foliage, floral garlands, and asymmetrical ornament, culminating in a dramatic crest that draws the eye upward and enhances the clock’s architectural presence.

Flanking the dial are two exquisitely modeled putti figures, each rendered with remarkable anatomical detail and expressive charm. One cherub plays a musical instrument, symbolizing harmony and the passage of time, while the other appears in a contemplative pose, reinforcing the allegorical nature of the composition. Their softly rounded forms contrast beautifully with the crisp chasing of the surrounding bronze, creating depth, movement, and visual warmth. The oval base is richly decorated with scrolling acanthus leaves, floral motifs, and finely cast borders, grounding the piece with a sense of balance and grandeur.

The Maker: Samuel Marti

The clock movement was produced by Samuel Marti, one of the most respected French clockmakers of the 19th century. Founded in Paris in 1833, Samuel Marti et Cie became renowned for producing high-quality, precision clock movements that won multiple medals at international exhibitions, including the Paris Expositions Universelles. Marti movements were favored by elite bronze casters and retailers for their reliability, craftsmanship, and technical excellence.

The Retailer: Barraud et Vignon

Barraud et Vignon was a highly regarded Parisian clock retailer and importer, known for commissioning and selling luxury clocks to an international clientele. Their name on a dial signified refinement, quality, and fashionable taste, often pairing superior movements with the finest decorative bronze cases.

Together, Samuel Marti and Barraud et Vignon created clocks that were not merely functional timepieces but prestige objects for grand salons, libraries, and formal interiors. This bronze figural clock stands today as a luminous testament to French artistry, blending sculpture, symbolism, and horological mastery into a timeless decorative statement.

Dimensions: 19.25 inches high x 19.5 inches wide x 8 inches deep. See less