c.1820 Reiche Empire Gilt Ormolu Bronze Clock

Details

Description

An exceptional early 19th-century French Empire mantel clock, dating to circa 1820 and attributed to the celebrated bronzier Jean-André Reiche. … Read more An exceptional early 19th-century French Empire mantel clock, dating to circa 1820 and attributed to the celebrated bronzier Jean-André Reiche. Cast in richly chased, original fire-gilded ormolu bronze, this important clock was conceived as a royal tribute to the birth of Henri d’Artois, Duke of Bordeaux, known as L’enfant du Miracle.
The sculptural composition is one of great tenderness and historical significance. It depicts Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry, seated while nursing her infant son, with Louise d’Artois kneeling nearby in prayer. A wicker cradle, cushions, drapery, and refined domestic details add warmth and intimacy to the scene, while sphinx-headed herm figures and neoclassical architectural elements anchor the piece firmly within the Empire style.
This exact model is documented in two major horological reference works: La Pendule Française by Pierre Kjellberg, page 429 F, and French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser, page 165. These published references make this a particularly desirable example for collectors of French bronze, royal commemorative objects, and period Empire clocks.
The original mercury fire-gilding remains beautifully preserved, with a deep warm gold tone and a refined contrast between matte and burnished surfaces. The quality of the casting and chasing is evident throughout, from the facial expressions and draped textiles to the architectural ornament and symbolic figures.
The clock is fitted with a high-quality French pendulum movement with bell strike. It has been professionally serviced, cleaned, and oiled, and was running beautifully at the time of listing.

Details
Date/Period: Circa 1820
Maker/Brand: Attributed to Jean-André Reiche
Style: French Empire / Neoclassical
Color: Fire-gilt gold ormolu
Materials: Gilt bronze / ormolu bronze
Category: Mantel clock
Quantity: 1 piece
Movement: French pendulum movement with bell strike
Condition of movement: Professionally serviced, cleaned, oiled, and functioning
Literature: Documented in Kjellberg, La Pendule Française, p. 429 F; and Niehüser, French Bronze Clocks, p. 165

Dimensions
Height: 44 cm / 17.3 in
Width: 32 cm / 12.6 in
Depth: 15 cm / 5.9 in

Condition
Very good antique condition for its age. The fire-gilded ormolu is beautifully preserved with only light, age-appropriate patina. No structural losses to the bronze or sculptural elements were noted. The movement has been professionally serviced and is functioning correctly.

This rare and highly sculptural Reiche model is an important example of Restoration-period French bronze artistry, combining royal history, exceptional craftsmanship, and documented provenance. A remarkable acquisition for a serious collector, museum-quality interior, library, or French Empire collection.

Shipping
Shipped from the Netherlands with a reliable courier. The clock will be professionally packed with protective materials, fully insured, and sent with tracking for safe international delivery. See less