This wonderful and unusual clock set has been exquisitely designed and crafted from the most sumptuous materials: silvered and gilt bronze, which contrast beautifully with the bright green semi-precious stone: malachite. The set comprises a central clock with a pair of flanking seven-light candelabra.
The central clock is formed with a malachite veneered plinth, decorated around its edges with silvered and gilt bronze highlights and scrolls at either side, and into which the clock dial is centrally set. The plinth rests on four silvered bronze paw feet. Above, a masterfully-cast Classical female figure in a robe is shown sitting on a stool on a gilt bronze plinth. This plinth is signed and dated 'Hi Dumaige 1875' on its side. The figure is full of movement, life, and every detail - down to the toes - has been carefully executed. There are silvered bronze lions' heads mounted onto the front of the gilt bronze plinth by the figure's feet.
The pair of flanking candelabra are similarly decorated, and each shows a beautifully-detailed silvered bronze figure on a malachite plinth holding aloft a seven-light candelabrum. The seven silvered bronze lights have circular drip pans, issuing from gilt bronze arms.
This splendid set is one of the later works of the acclaimed French Belle Epoque sculptor, bronzier and designer Etienne-Henri Dumaige, known for his exquisite bronze figures. The dimensions of the individual elements are as follows: