Neo-greek Clock Set By H. Houdebine, France, Circa 1867

Dial signed H. Houdebine, Fabricant de Bronzes, Rue de Turenne 64, Paris and clockwork signed Japy Frères & Cie – Médaille d’Honneur

Clock – Height : 50 cm (19,6 in.) ; Width : 28 cm (11 in.) ; Depth : 17 cm (6,7 in.)
Candlesticks – Height : 25,5 cm (10 in.) ; Diameter : 11 cm (4,3 in.)

A very fine neo-Greek style clock set made up of a clock and a pair of candlesticks. The clock executed in two patina bronze is surmounted by a covered vase and is decorated with porcelain plaques depicting female faces and Art attributes. The Roman numerals on the dial are framed with laurel wreaths. Raised on console feet and a base, the whole reposing on four claw feet. The ensuite pair of two patina bronze candlesticks is finely chased with small flowers and water leaves.

Biography :
Henri Houdebine founded his company in 1845. He gained a great reputation in the making of clocks and decorative bronze pieces. His works, appreciated for their high artistic quality, took inspiration from various styles, including the neo-Greek style, very fashionable with artists in the 1860s. His work was immediately successful with the public, and one can say from 1862, that 50% of his production was exported. Houdebine set up his workshops at number 64, rue de Turenne, in Paris during the period 1865-1880. He participated magnificently in several Universal Exhibitions, such those held in Paris in 1855, where he was awarded a 2nd class medal for his statuettes and display cups, in London in 1862, and again in Paris in 1878 and 1889, where he won a Gold medal for his all the works he exhibited. Houdebine participated finally in the Chicago Universal Exhibition of 1893, where he presented splendid cressets, clocks and some sculptures.