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Large and very fine French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Large and very fine French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock
French, c.1825
Height 89cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm

This very fine, sculpturally decorated mantel clock dates to the first French Empire period, and combines excellent antique clockmaking with fine Classically-inspired sculpture to make a beautiful decorative piece. Both the backplate and the silvered brass dial, painted with Roman numerals, are stamped 'JACQUIER, A PARIS.' It bears the serial number 146 to upper left hand margin, and features steel moon hands set within a generous gilt laurel wreath cast bezel; it is cased in malachite (a later veneer), and richly adorned with gilt-bronze.

The case is surmounted with a gilt-bronze sculpture of the Roman leader Caesar who wears a toga and a laurel crown. He rests against a pedestal while holding a scroll in his hand, with another crown placed nearby. The façade of the clock pedestal is mounted with an exceptional fine relief, which depicts the Roman God of war Mars standing between military trophies and Roman legionary eagle standards, inscribed SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) and 'NPI.' Meanwhile the plinth base is mounted with another
cast frieze, that shows Mercury flanked by Ceres in a chariot drawn by Chimera. The sculptural decoration is finely wrought and is indicative of the French Empire period's fascination with all things Neoclassical - the theme of Caesar and Mars in military triumph particularly apt for the militaristic and ambitious France of the early 19th century.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Enamel, malachite, ormolu.
Creation Date:	1825
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Empire
Dealer Reference #:	17238
Incollect Reference #:	719972

Dimensions

W.	22.44 in;	H.	35.04 in;	D.	9.06 in;
W.	57 cm;	H.	89 cm;	D.	23 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.