RARE, IMPRESSIVE FIRE-GILT BRONZE PENDULE ‘Bacchant Deniere’, Paris, c. 1830
Key facts
- Place of manufacture
- Paris
- Production time
- around 1830
- Denniere
- France
Description
The high-quality case is supported by two elaborately carved gargoyle feet; the two-part plinth is lavishly decorated with acanthus leaves, volutes and bunches of grapes; above this, set centrally within a rock, is the clockwork mechanism; above that sits a putto drinking from a shell (filled with wine) alongside a Bacchante who is helping him to drink, with a small wine amphora and a tambourine beside them. The case was completely dismantled, all individual parts carefully cleaned and then reassembled. The original fire-gilding is in very good condition (apart from slight, age-related wear). The movement, with thread suspension and hook escapement, was completely overhauled and readjusted by a master watchmaker (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, the anchor reground and polished, the escapement readjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants), it runs for approximately 14 days and strikes the half and full hours on a bell; this is marked: Deniére. The enamelled dial with Roman numerals is undamaged. Jean-François Deninger (Deniére), who lived from 1774 to 1866, was a prominent Parisian bronze artist who occasionally supplied the Napoleonic nobility (under the name Deniére & Matelin until 1815; after the death of Thomas Matelin, the firm operated solely as Deniére).The firm was later taken over by his son, Guillaume Deniére (1815–1901). Their range included clocks, candlesticks, chandeliers, centrepieces, bronze fittings for furniture, etc. Dimensions: Height: 56 cm Width: 42 cm Depth: 17 cm The key, pendulum and a bell are included in the offer.