French Louis XV Style Figural Gilt Metal and Marble Clock Set

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Description

French Three-Piece Bronze and Marble Clock Garniture with Putti and Cherubs, circa 1920
This impressive French three-piece clock garniture, dating … Read more French Three-Piece Bronze and Marble Clock Garniture with Putti and Cherubs, circa 1920
This impressive French three-piece clock garniture, dating to approximately the 1920s, is a richly decorative ensemble composed of a central mantel clock accompanied by a matching pair of three-light candelabra. Executed in contrasting patinated and gilt bronze with pale marble bases, the set draws upon the elegant classical and Louis XVI Revival traditions that remained fashionable in French decorative arts during the early twentieth century. The abundant use of putti and cherubic figures, floral garlands, scrolling branches, and gilded ornament gives the complete set a romantic and distinctly French character.
The centerpiece of the three-piece set is the mantel clock, dominated by a charming sculptural composition of a reclining winged putto or cherub. The figure is modeled in dark patinated bronze, providing a dramatic contrast with the warm gilded ornament and creamy white marble below. The cherub reclines informally beside the clock, one leg extended across the architectural base while the other bends naturally beneath him. His rounded face, softly modeled body, curling hair, and small wings give the figure the youthful appearance traditionally associated with Cupid and the putti of European decorative art.
Particularly delightful is the cherub's interaction with a small book, which he appears to be reading or examining. Rather than simply serving as an ornamental figure placed beside the clock, the putto becomes part of a miniature narrative scene. His concentration on the book introduces an appealing sense of innocence and contemplation, while his relaxed pose softens the formality of the clock's architectural construction.
The circular clock face is positioned immediately beside the figure and surrounded by an elaborate gilt-bronze bezel. A beaded inner border and richly modeled outer ornament frame the white dial, which is marked with delicate Arabic numerals. Pierced and gilded hands provide an elegant finishing detail. The two winding apertures visible on the dial indicate a traditional mechanical clock movement, consistent with the type of French mantel clock produced during this period.
Supporting the clock and figure is a substantial rectangular marble plinth embellished with extensive gilt-bronze mounts. Classical scrolling motifs decorate the raised upper sections, while the broad lower marble base is ornamented with openwork or applied garlands and wreaths tied with ribbons. A delicate beaded bronze border follows the upper edge of the marble, emphasizing the crisp architectural lines. Rounded gilt and marble feet elevate the entire composition and give the clock a suitably finished appearance.
Flanking the central clock are the matching pair of three-light candelabra, completing the three-piece garniture. Each candelabrum incorporates another youthful putto figure modeled in the same dark patinated bronze as the central cherub. The figures stand or lean naturally among the gilt-bronze candle branches, appearing almost to support or interact with the scrolling stems around them.
From each candelabrum rise three sinuous gilt-bronze branches terminating in individual candle cups and circular drip pans. The branches curve upward in an organic, vine-like manner, creating a lively silhouette and introducing movement to the composition. The candle cups are particularly decorative, with fluted and foliate modeling recalling acanthus leaves and classical urn forms. The central candleholder rises higher than the two flanking lights, producing a balanced triangular arrangement.
Like the clock, each candelabrum rests upon a pale marble platform enriched with gilt-bronze mounts. Decorative garlands extend across the front and sides of the bases, visually connecting the companion pieces with the central clock. Small rounded feet raise the marble slightly above the supporting surface. When the three pieces are displayed together, these repeated materials and motifs create a strong sense of unity.
The beauty of this circa-1920 French clock set lies especially in its contrasts. Dark bronze figures stand against luminous gilded branches; cool pale marble provides a restrained background for elaborate metalwork; and the architectural geometry of the bases is softened by flowing garlands, curling foliage, and the playful forms of the children.
Although produced in the early twentieth century, the garniture deliberately recalls the luxury of earlier French interiors. Its classical ornament, symmetrical three-piece arrangement, marble construction, and combination of patinated and gilt bronze reflect the continuing popularity of eighteenth-century revival styles in France.
Displayed together on a mantel, console, sideboard, or commode, the clock and its two matching candelabra form a complete three-piece decorative ensemble. The central reading cherub provides an engaging focal point, while the companion putti and branching candleholders extend the composition outward in balanced symmetry. Both functional and sculptural, this French bronze and marble garniture exemplifies the elaborate craftsmanship and romantic historical styling associated with fine French decorative objects of the 1920s era.


Dimensions:
clock 16.75 inches high x 16 inches wide x 6 inches deep
candelabras: 19.25 inches high x 9.5 inches wide x 6 inches deep. See less