Louis XVI style Gilt-Bronze and Rouge Griotte Marble Clock Set

This exceptional Neoclassical Louis XVI style three-piece clock set features a central clock-inset sculptural pedestal, flanked by a pair of candelabra. All three pieces are crafted with impeccable skill from rouge griotte marble and ormolu, or gilt-bronze, by the leading French maker Ferdinand Barbedienne. 

Dating to 1867, the garniture consists of two six-light vase candelabra that flank a central clock pedestal, which is mounted by a sculptural group after a model by artist Eugene Aizelin. Titled 'Bergers d'Arcadie,' it takes inspiration from Poussin's iconic Neoclassical masterpiece Et in arcadia ego, which depicts a trio of shepherds, one with a staff, and a woman, gathered around an austere tomb to ponder its inscription, (which translates 'even in Arcadia am I,' referring to death).

The painting, and this sculpture that takes after it, is a reminder of the constant presence of one's mortality, even in a countryside fantasy idyll such as the Arcadia of Greek myth. Here, a woman looks over the shepherd's shoulder as he points to an inscription in Greek. The work is by Aizelin, and is cast in gilt-bronze by leading bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. The clock is inscribed 'E. Aizelin / 1867,' 'F. Barbedienne. Fondeur,' and stamped and sealed beneath. 

Clock: height 67cm, width 46cm, depth 28cm
Candelabra: height 81cm, width 34cm, depth 34cm