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Antique patinated bronze and onyx mantel clock by Mercié and Barbedienne

Creator: Ferdinand Barbedienne -Marius Jean Antonin Mercie
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique patinated bronze and onyx mantel clock by Mercié and Barbedienne
French, Late 19th Century
Height 113cm, width 58cm, depth 40cm

Two renowned French makers, Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) and Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892), are responsible for the creation of this superb late 19th century mantel clock.

The patinated bronze sculpture surmounting the onyx clock is titled ‘Gloria Victis’. Design in 1874 by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié, it depicts the allegorical female figure of Fame, caringly carrying a fallen soldier. Fame is dressed in loosely fit textiles with brightly shining gold shoulder armour while the soldier is depicted nude with a lifeless expression. Raising one hand towards the heaves and holding a broken sword with the other, the soldier symbolises the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. The caring nature of Fame was meant to reassure the French public that even those fallen were taken care of.

The bronze sculpture was cast in the renowned foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne. Superbly cast, the piece portrays intricate details such as the texture of the textiles. The piece is titled on the base ‘GLORIA VICTIS’ and signed 'A. Mercié', 'F. Barbedienne, Fondeur. Paris'. It also features a reduction stamp for 'A. Collas' and inventory number '233'.

The clock below the sculpture is beautifully carved from onyx. The naturally occurring cream and brown veining add to the overall look of the piece. The onyx features beautiful ormolu detailing. The clock is surrounded by a shining ormolu frame and the whole piece stands on four lion paw shaped ormolu feet. The circular dial of the clock is signed ‘F. Barbedienne / Paris' and the movement is signed 'J.E. Dupont / Paris'.

Made by some of the most important French makers of the 19th century, this mantel clock is an outstanding piece of antique French decorative art.

Artist/ Maker: Ferdinand Barbedienne, Marius Jean Antonin Mercié

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Bronze, Onyx, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze).
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	17454
Incollect Reference #:	667082

Dimensions

W.	22.83 in;	H.	44.49 in;	D.	15.75 in;
W.	58 cm;	H.	113 cm;	D.	40 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.