Early 19th Century Empire Astronomy Lesson Clock, 1800s

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A mercury gilt bronze clock depicting two young women dressed in antique style sitting in Etruscan-style shepherdesses on either side … Read more A mercury gilt bronze clock depicting two young women dressed in antique style sitting in Etruscan-style shepherdesses on either side of a draped table with claw feet, studying a map placed in front of them. The ensemble rests on a six-legged base decorated with a trophy of scientific instruments held by two winged children, a world map, an astronomical telescope and a surveyor's chain. Inspired by Antiquity, this clock, known as "The Astronomy Lesson", depicts two young women dressed in antique style and seated in what appears to be a luxurious study. The girl on the left is absorbed in reading a celestial map on the table, while the girl on the right is reading a book on astronomy. The circular dial with Roman numerals is placed under the table. It is signed Ledure (Pierre Victor) bronzier in Paris and Hemon (Claude) for watchmaker. Wire mechanism. First third of the 19th century. Wear to the gilding. This clock is a derivative of the "la liseuse" clock signed by Bailly which was delivered in 1806 for the Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Italy in Fontainebleau, in the bedroom of Monsieur Aldini.Given the success of this model, variations were made in the arrangement of the objects and furniture, while respecting the setting and iconography. See less