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Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock by Balthazar

Creator: Michel Balthazar
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
This mantel clock beautifully illustrates the classical myth of ‘The Abduction of Europa’. In this story, the god Zeus falls in love with a mortal woman called Europa. To seduce her, Zeus transforms himself into a white bull. Europa then mounts the bull and Zeus whisks her away from her home to Crete. Europa becomes the Queen of Crete and bears Zeus several children.

The clock takes the form of a patinated bronze bull which is saddled with a gilt bronze (ormolu) clock case. This case features a circular white enamel dial with black Roman and Arabic Numerals, as well as the maker’s name ‘Michel Baltazar/ Paris’. This name also appears on the clock’s movement. The clock’s case is decorated with stylised foliage and topped by gilt bronze sculptures of a putto and a young woman holding a sun-burst medallion.

The bull stands on a wide gilt bronze base, which is composed of elaborate C and S-scrolls, entwined with flowers and foliage.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	ormolu, gilt bronze, patinated bronze, bronze
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Rococo, Traditional, Louis XV
Dealer Reference #:	14890
Incollect Reference #:	343326

Dimensions

W.	24.02 in;	H.	30.31 in;	D.	12.99 in;
W.	61 cm;	H.	77 cm;	D.	33 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.