Art Nouveau L“L’Aurore Table Clock and Candelabras from Hardyau Fils, Set of 3

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Art Nouveau Chimney Garniture “L’Aurore” – Table Clock and Pair of Chandeliers – Hardyau Fils – France, c. 1900. An … Read more Art Nouveau Chimney Garniture “L’Aurore” – Table Clock and Pair of Chandeliers – Hardyau Fils – France, c. 1900. An important and highly decorative French three-piece chimney garniture, datable to the late 19th/early 20th century, Belle Époque period, executed in a clearly Art Nouveau style. The set consists of: 1 sculptural table clock and 2 matching chandeliers, each with five lights. The clock features an elegant allegorical female figure at its center, identified in the composition itself by the inscription “AURORE”, representing L’Aurore / The Dawn. The female figure is depicted in a graceful and dynamic pose, with long curtains and one arm raised holding a veil or flowing fabric, in a composition strongly inspired by Symbolism and Naturalism, very characteristic of French taste at the end of the 19th century. The sculpture is integrated into a vegetal structure of organic and sinuous forms, with stylized floral elements and foliage. The base is crafted from brecciated marble in shades of white, gray, and greenish, resting on a metal structure decorated with leaves and volutes. The ensemble presents a particularly rich combination of materials: patinated and polychrome cast metal, bronze or copper alloy in some decorative elements, marble, enamel, glass, and clockwork components in brass and steel. The circular dial is made of white enamel, featuring: black Arabic numerals; polychrome floral decoration; gilded metal hands; two winding holes; and a gilded decorative bezel.

The dial bears the inscription: HARDYAU FILS - Lauréat de l’École d’Horlogerie de Besançon - Le Mans. The clock retains its mechanical movement, with pendulum and bell, without a key. The back case allows access to the mechanism, which features traditional French table clock construction of the period. The two side chandeliers were specifically designed to complement the clock and fully repeat the naturalistic decorative language of the central piece. Each chandelier features: five candle holders; sinuous arms forming plant branches; flower-shaped sockets; a central body in the form of a stylized plant stem; polychrome decoration in shades of green, brown, and gold; two small side wings; a marble base corresponding to that of the clock; and metal feet decorated with leaf motifs. The complete composition presents a strong stylistic unity, being particularly interesting for having preserved the clock and the two original corresponding candelabras, something highly valued in decorative sets of this period.

Sculptural attribution - The "L'Aurore" model shows strong similarities to well-known French examples associated with the name Rousseau. Style: Art Nouveau / Belle Époque. The decoration combines several typical elements of this movement: undulating plant forms, flowers, leaves, stems, asymmetrical lines, and a female figure with allegorical treatment, integrating sculpture, clockwork, and decorative arts. Origin: France. Dating: Late 19th century / circa 1900. Clockmaker/merchant: Hardyau Fils, Le Mans - Laureate of the Besançon School of Clockmaking. Theme: L’Aurore / The Dawn. Materials: Ruler / patinated and polychrome cast metal, bronze or copper alloy, marble, enamel, glass, brass and steel. Composition: 3 pieces: 1 sculptural table clock and 2 chandeliers with five lights each.

Condition: Good overall condition considering its age. Shows wear, oxidation, minor loss of polychromy, marks, scratches, patina, cracks and signs of use consistent with its age. It does not have a key, so it cannot be determined if the clock is working. Dimensions: Clock - 54 x 30 x 22 cm. Chandeliers (each): 55 x 22 x 22 cm.

This is a striking French decorative set, particularly interesting for its complete three-piece composition, its size, the sculptural program "L'Aurore," its Art Nouveau decoration, its marble bases, and the Hardyau Fils identification on the dial. The simultaneous presence of the clock and the two matching chandeliers significantly increases the decorative and collectible interest of the set. See less