L.caisso & Cie In Paris - Louis XVI Style Clock With Cherub, Circa 1890

L.CAISSO & Cie, 1, Bd de La Madeleine, in Paris-Adorable Neo-Louis XVI alcove or boudoir clock in white marble, finely chiseled and matte gilt bronze featuring on a marble base animated by a small Dove, a laughing Cherub camped near a sheath-shaped pedestal which is delighted by the presence of a pair of Turtle Doves flanking the circular bushel of the timepiece. The latter topped with a sentimental Trophy uniting within a ribboned floral crown a quiver with arrow fletching and a flaming torch. Embellished with a painted decoration "A la Dauphine", the white enameled dial bearing the hours in Arabic numerals is signed by the House "L.CAISSO & Cie" located in "PARIS/ Bd de La Madelaine". Appliques with interlacing motifs, waterfalls, foliate and floral stems, and pearls adorn the body and base of this clock supported by four small spinning top feet. High-quality Parisian work from the last third of the 19th century, circa 1890.
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A most charming model:
Resting on four small spinning top feet ringed with pearls, a simple marble base encircled on its molded profile with a string of pearls and adorned on the front within a rectangular reserve with an applique with a finely chiseled motif of interlacing foliage and flowers, forming a pedestal with a delightful sculptural composition. Exquisitely modeled, as charming in form as in attitude, a laughing Cherub, nimbly standing near a small bird, Messenger of Love, delights in the presence of a pair of doves frolicking with half-spread wings on the clock's base.
The latter, crowned with a sentimental Trophy uniting within a ribboned wreath studded with tender blooms (roses), a quiver with arrow fletchings and a torch with a flaming brand symbolizing amorous ardor, overlooks a "neo-classical" sheath with architectural profiles prettily adorned with a cascade of flowers held by a ribbon, and a fine flowering stem. Set with alternating pearls of brettes, embellished with a charming painted "A la Dauphine" decoration—festoons of flowered races—the clock's white enamel dial, indicating the hours in Arabic numerals with two fleur-de-lis-patterned hands, bears the signature of the Maison "L.CAISSO & Cie," located in PARIS on the prestigious Boulevard de La Madelaine.
Candor and gentle joviality characterize this adorable clock with its suave sentimental dreaminess. Sitting on the top of a bedside table, a pedestal table, or a lady's desk, it will invite everyone to tease the hours under loving auspices.
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The Caisso et Cie Establishment in Paris (1882-1904):
Originally from Wallonia, the art dealer Jacques, Paul, Léon Caisso (1844-1898) was the investigator during the month of October 1882 of the limited partnership Caisso et Cie whose vocation was the sale of "luxury furniture, works of art and curiosities". This House, newly arrived on the Parisian place of luxury trade then in full expansion, established itself at 1 Boulevard de la Madelaine-, a well-known address and popular with the Curious and Amateurs. In this place, officiated from 1850 to 1870, J. Lachenal. Listed in the Directories-Almanacs of the time under the heading "Curiosities" or later "Art Industrialists", the latter offered to his clientele "Curiosities, Bronzes, Furniture and Antique Tapestries". Published in 1851, a work entitled Paris illustré. Its history, its monuments, its museums (...), its commerce and its pleasures "described the business in these terms: "There is Paris has 200 boutiques, some of which are museums. If you have a particular taste, find out about dealers who specialize in a particular specialty. Everyone will tell you, for example, that (...) you can give yourself the appearance of opulence and taste by renting furniture and objects of High Curiosities from Lachenal at 1 Boulevard de la Madeleine... (p. 774).
In the wake of this ancient institution, the Maison Caisso et Cie (1882-1904) acquired its own reputation for "the exquisite taste for shapes and ornaments" that governed the selection of furniture and decorative pieces offered until the beginning of the last century to its large European clientele.
Printed sources: Almanach-Bottin du Commerce de Paris, 1855-1856; Annuaire-Almanach du Commerce, de l'Industrie, 1859-1872; Annuaire de la Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 1870-1899; Commercial Archives of France, 1882-1904.
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Marks and signatures: Dial signed "L.CAISSO & Cie / PARIS/ Bd de la Madelaine" - Movement numbered on its plate: "2227"
Materials: white marble; matte gold-gilded bronze; white and polychrome enamel; glass.
Dimensions: H.: 25.5 cm; W.: 11 cm; D.: 6.5 cm.
High-quality Parisian work in the Louis XVI style from the last third of the 19th century, circa 1890;
Good condition. Original matte and gilt gilding.