RESERVED! A very fine fire-gilt Empire-style bronze ‘Amor Paris’ mantel clock, circa 1796
Key facts
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Production time
- around 1796
Description
A very fine, fire-gilt Empire-style bronze pendulum clock bearing the inscription ‘Hommage à La plus Belle’, Bourgeois a Melun, c. 1796/1800, Consulat period A tribute to beauty. A highly unusual and rare motif. An angular plinth resting on four tall, pointed feet, adorned with applied floral garlands; to the right and left, respectively, a torch crossed with an oak branch, above which, centred, stands the clockwork, crowned by the inscription ‘Hommage à La plus Belle’ and a large rose; to the left of this is an Etruscan tripod with clouds of smoke, whilst to the right stands a winged Cupid pointing towards the inscription above. The original fire-gilding (matt and polished) is in good condition; the polish is partially worn due to age, and the two small rose sprigs with buds are only loosely inserted into the rose stems. The functioning movement, featuring a pendulum suspended by a thread, an anchor escapement and a lock-disc striking mechanism (full and half hours), has been expertly overhauled and adjusted; the power reserve is approximately 8 days, and this is unmarked. The enamelled dial with Roman numerals is marked ‘Bourgeois à Melun’; it is slightly cracked below the VI and has a repair near the left-hand winding hole. Dimensions: Height: 40 cm Width: 28 cm Depth: 12 cm A matching pendulum and a key are included in the offer. The last image is for size comparison only.