Large Parisian pendule clock in fire-gilt bronze, depicting Hannibal, circa 1820, probably by Deniere et Matelin
Key facts
- Production time
- 1820
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Large Parisian pendule clock in fire-gilt bronze, depicting Hannibal, circa 1820, probably by Deniere et Matelin The case is supported by four square feet (the front feet featuring acanthus leaf decoration), upon which rests the square plinth, featuring, alongside several helmets, weapons and an ‘A’ within a laurel wreath, two coats of arms bearing the inscriptions ‘Trebia’ (Battle of the Trebia, 218 BC) and ‘Tra Simene’ (Battle of Lake Trasimene, 217 BC); above this, on the right, stands a sculpture of Hannibal revelling in his spoils, with his coat of arms to his left, a helmet on a pedestal and a signum bearing the inscription S.P.Q.R. (Senatus Populusque Romanus). Beneath the dial is the inscription ‘Cannes’ (referring to the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC) The bronze case is in good condition for its age; the fire-gilding (original, not re-gilded!!!) is well preserved, though the polished areas are slightly worn and the front of the base shows some staining. The movement, featuring a thread suspension and hook escapement, has been fully overhauled and readjusted by a master watchmaker; it runs for approximately 14 days and strikes the half-hours and full hours on a bell. The silver-plated dial has been authentically repainted by hand. Dimensions: Height: 51 cm Width: 37.5 cm Depth: 12 cm An identical pendulum clock is located in the Blue Room at the White House in Washington D.C., whilst another is illustrated in Pierre Kjellberg’s *La Pendule Française*, p. 411, fig. G.