A Rare and Exquisite French Ormolu and Porcelain Clock, attributed to Deniere

A Rare and Exquisite French Ormolu Bronze and Porcelain Clock, attributed to Jean Francois Deniere, circa 1810.

This large and elaborate clock is made of the finest quality ormolu and porcelain during the period. Of rectangular form, with porcelain and bronze columns painted with flowers and griffins, this clock would make a statement in any room.

To a clock collector, this clock is a true masterpiece! Similar clocks like this, by Deniere, are in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, including the Frick Collection and the Royal Collection Trust.

21.5" high x 12" wide x 6" deep

**For a similar clock see Christies New York, 21 November 2008, Lot # 139, sold for $50,000.

Very good condition with no damages. All original parts. Clock is not running.

More photos available upon request.

Jean-François Deninger, called Denière, was one of the most illustrious bronziers of the first half of the 19th century. Appointed Envoy in Constantinople around 1796, the bronzier Denière entered into partnership with François Mathelin in 1797. They founded a prosperous operation and their atelier had over 200 workers during the Empire period - a number that subsequently doubled during the reign of Louis-Philippe. Fournisseur to the duchesse de Berry and Louis-Philippe, Denière also worked for the duke of Hamilton, Ferdinand VII of Spain, William II of Hesse, William II of Holland, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, and other heads of state. In 1817-1818 Denière furnished some of the bronze work for the redecoration of the White House in Washington. He furthermore produced the mounts for the cradle of the duc de Bordeaux in 1820 and the bronzes for Charles X's coronation coach in 1825.

Along with Pierre-Philippe Thomire, Denière was one of the leading architects of the goût Égyptien under the influence of Baron Vivant-Denon - although confusingly he not only sold models invented by his fellow bronziers but also bought the chefs modèles of former bronziers in sales liquidating their stock.