19th Century malachite, gilt and patinated spelter mantel clock

£6,500

With its female allegory of Labour, this clock is a beautiful monument to the 19th Century, which is widely known as the age of industry.

 

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Description

The mantel clock features a stepped rectangular malachite base which stands on patinated spelter feet, the front two of which are shaped like paws. The base is mounted with patinated spelter motifs. These include a lion’s mask with scrollwork and foliage, a leaf-and-dart band and a low-relief panel, depicting putti at work, centred on a medallion containing a profile portrait. Industrial, machine-like patinated spelter handles are fitted onto the sides of the base.

This malachite base is topped by a cylindrical patinated spelter case with a circular black marble dial. The dial features gilt Roman Numerals, contained within a circular gilt spelter egg-and-dart frame. This dial is contained behind a glass lens with a gilt spelter beaded bezel. The clock case is surmounted by a laurel wreath, propped up on a compass or pair of tongs. It is flanked by a seated female figure—an allegory of Labour—who wears a classical gown and a laurel wreath, and holds a sprocket-wheel and a long-handled hammer. The figure is accompanied by a miniature model of a steam train. On the other side of the clock case, there is an anvil, a set square and another crafts tool.

Details

Country of Origin
French
Date of Manufacture
Late 19th Century
Period
Late 19th Century
Style
Classical, Neoclassical
Material
Malachite, Spelter
Colour
Brown, Gold, Green

Dimensions

Height
51 cm / 20.1 inches
Width
57 cm / 22.4 inches
Depth
21 cm / 8.3 inches

Reference:
15997

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