Napoleon III period ormolu clock set by Picard and Denière

This superb three-piece clock set is crafted from ormolu in the eclectic style that prevailed during the reign of Napoleon III. The clock case and the candelabra are by Henri Picard, while the clockworks are by Denière et Fils, both of whom were and remain respected makers in their respective fields.

The set is comprised of a central mantel clock and a pair of flanking en suite candelabra. The clock case is architecturally formed, raised by four paw feet that spring from a base mounted profusely with ormolu foliage. The case features a circular dial with Roman numeral hour indices inscribed onto individual enamel cartouches. Below the dial resides a bas relief sculptural panel of three female figures spinning wool, while the remainder of the case is mounted and moulded with a host of fine detailing. The case is surmounted by a full-length winged figure blowing a trumpet.

The en suite candelabra are similar decorated, each raised on a conforming base above paw feet and featuring a stem mounted with classical masks and garlands. Each candelabra supports five scrolled light branches.

The dial is signed ‘Deniere / Ft. de Bronzes / Paris’, the movement is stamped ‘Deniere / A Paris / 1218’, and the bronzes throughout are stamped ‘H. Picard.’

Clock: Height 78cm, width 36cm, depth 24cm
Candelabra: Height 76cm, width 37.5cm, depth 29cm