Fire-Gilt Clock from Denière Paris, France, 1800s

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Fire-gilt bronze clock depicting Aurora's chariot, dial signed Denière à Paris, Maison Denière

The signature "Denière" or "Denière Fabt de … Read more Fire-gilt bronze clock depicting Aurora's chariot, dial signed Denière à Paris, Maison Denière

The signature "Denière" or "Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris" is that of Jean-François Denière (1774–1866), one of the most important Parisian bronze artists of the 19th century. His workshop was renowned for the exceptional quality of its bronzes, both in terms of the fineness of the chasing and the richness and depth of the gilding, making this clock one of the finest examples of Parisian horology and bronze work.

Jean-François Denière's work is first mentioned in the late 18th century, when he was working with François-Thomas Matelin at 58 Rue de Turenne. During the Roman Empire and after the Bourbon return to the throne, Denière received numerous important commissions, even from royal circles. His work was extremely popular, and he was awarded at least one gold medal. During the July Monarchy, Denière's workshop was the largest and most important in all of Paris—in 1839, he employed over 400 workers. Like Thomire, Denière is considered one of the finest bronze artists of his time. Jean-François Denière is primarily known for his bronze work; he supplied clocks and candelabras for palaces such as Versailles and the Grand Trianon.

Clock depicting Aurora, showing a chariot drawn by winged cupids, upon which the Virgin, embodying the first light of dawn, travels across the sky. She is identified by the star she wears on her forehead, representing the morning star, and the torch she holds, symbolizing the first light on the horizon after night gives way to day. The chariot is carried by a cloud; the scene is highly dynamic and full of movement. Ribbons and bows flutter in the wind, and the putto dancing behind the chariot scatters flowers, while the two putti in front of it are busy keeping it on course.

On the rectangular base, an oval medallion depicts Aurora, hovering above the sleeping Apollo, half-supporting, half-holding the first rays of sunlight, before he sets off across the sky in his sun chariot.

Height 57 cm, Width 55 cm, Depth 15.5 cm See less