Malachite, gilt and silvered bronze clock set after Pradier

This grand and impressive clock set incorporates bronze decoration designed by the famous Neoclassical sculptor, James Pradier (French, 1790-1852), and cast by the celebrated bronze foundry, Susse Freres. The clock set is comprised of a central mantel clock and a pair of flanking candelabra.

Pradier was well-known in his lifetime for his exquisite sculptural work, first exhibiting at the Paris Salon in 1819 and later going on to become a Professor of Sculpture at the Academie des Beaux Arts. Today his sculptures can be seen in nearly every major museum and important public building in Paris, including the Louvre, the Madeleine, Les Invalides, and on the Arc de Triomphe. The three gilt bronze (ormolu) sculptures and silvered bronze figurative relief panels that decorate this clock set are based on designs by Pradier.

The central clock is surmounted by a gilt bronze figure of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Homer's ‘Odyssey’. In art, she is traditionally depicted loyally waiting for her husband to return from his voyage. Here, she sits on a low stool, with a lyre by her side. The figure is signed 'J. PRADIER' and is stamped with the foundry mark for Susse Freres.

Penelope is placed on a stepped rectangular malachite plinth, which is mounted with decorative silvered bronze bands and foliate motifs. At the centre of the plinth, there is a circular clock dial, featuring black Roman Numerals. The clock dial is flanked on either side by two silvered bronze relief panels, depicting groups of women in classical dress. The malachite plinth is set on circular silvered bronze feet.

The pair of candelabra are similarly designed. Each candelabrum is comprised of ten silvered bronze candle-holders, supported by gilt bronze sculptures of women in classical dress. These figures stand on malachite bases, decorated with silvered bronze banding and figurative relief mounts.

Clock: Height 62cm, width 54.5cm, depth 26cm
Candelabra: Height 83cm, width 30cm, depth 30cm