French Restauration period gilt bronze mantel clock

£18,000

Created in France in the early 19th Century, this clock has been expertly cast from bronze and gilded, to form beautiful classical style decoration.

 

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Description

The gilt bronze (ormolu) mantel clock features a wide rectangular base which is set on four scrolled bracket feet. The base is finely decorated with a classical mythological scene depicting the lovers Aeneas and Dido. In the myth, Dido, the Queen of Carthage, falls in love with Aeneas, the Trojan hero. Aeneas abandons Dido and she falls into despair. This scene is set within a border of stylised lotus flowers and rosettes.

This base is topped by a tall rectangular case which is mounted with a circular white enamel dial. The dial features black Roman Numerals and the name of the maker, ‘Robin à Paris’. It is displayed behind a glass lens, within a plaited and rosette-decorated bezel. Below the dial, the case is ornamented with a stylised depiction of a swan, accompanied by leafy branches, scrolled vines and rosettes. The upper corners of the case are decorated with rosettes. 

A full-length male figure stands to the left of the case. This figure adopts a relaxed pose and holds a mirror which is propped up on the case. He wears classical sandals and a loosely draped gown. The case is also surmounted by a sculptural laurel wreath which leans against a scroll. A model of a lyre, topped by a sunburst feature, is positioned to the right of the case.

Details

Country of Origin
French
Date of Manufacture
Early 19th Century
Period
Early 19th Century
Style
Neoclassical, Restauration
Material
Enamel, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze)
Colour
Gold, White

Dimensions

Height
70 cm / 27.6 inches
Width
45 cm / 17.7 inches
Depth
14 cm / 5.5 inches

Reference:
16144

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