Important Empire Mantel Clock “ Allegory Of The Arts & Sciences” Signed Jean - Simon Bourdier

This museum-quality French Empire clock by Bourdier, crafted in gilt and patinated bronze, presents an exquisitely detailed portrayal of Apollo, adorned with attributes emblematic of the Arts and Sciences. Striking interplay between the rich gilding and the darker patina lends the piece a distinctive visual presence. Signed on the dial is Jean-Simon Bourdier (1760–1839), who was admitted as a master clockmaker in Paris in 1787. Of particular historical interest, a clock of this identical model was delivered by the renowned horologists Lepaute, uncle and nephew, on 23 August 1806 for the salon of Madame Mère, mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, at the Château de Fontainebleau. An additional example of this rare model resides in the Spanish Royal Collection.

Composed across three distinct tiers, this exceptional French Empire clock by Bourdier exemplifies the refined design and allegorical richness of early 19th-century Empire mantel clocks. At its summit, Apollo is shown seated in a poised and serene manner atop the drum case, draped in flowing robes that cascade over his shoulders and legs, and holding a lyre, a classical symbol of the arts.

Positioned on the second tier, Apollo is accompanied by finely detailed attributes: a harp to his left and a celestial globe, carried by birds, to his right. The celestial globe, masterfully enameled in blue, gold, and white and portraying symbolical figures, is a work of art in its own right. Additional elements, including a lute, books, and a quiver of arrows, further enhance the clock’s symbolic narrative. Below the dial, a superbly sculpted bas-relief reveals Apollo’s triumph over a winged dragon, representing the victory of knowledge over ignorance. Housed within the drum is a rare white enamel dial featuring a gold and blue central star, Roman numerals, Arabic quarter-hour markers, and finely pierced gilt bronze hands.

Rising from a shaped plinth base, the third tier features a beautifully cast bas-relief depicting a woman painting, flanked by two putti with books and symbols of science and philosophy, subjects frequently explored in important Empire clocks. Enriching the case are classical decorative motifs such as tripods supporting flaming urns and intricate floral ornamentation. Completing the composition, six elaborately cast and chiselled feet, each adorned with lyres and delicate botanical detailing, which underscores its status as a masterwork of French Empire horology.

Expertly cleaned and in an excellent state of preservation, this magnificent timepiece retains its original and lustrous mercury gilding. The movement, fitted with an anchor escapement, wire suspension, and a rack wheel, strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. In perfect working order, the clock is offered complete with its pendulum, bell, and key.


Origin: Paris, circa 1806.

Dimensions: Height 57 cm (22.4″), Width 43 cm (16.9″), Depth 15 cm (5.9″).


Literature
- Collection of Château de Fontainebleau, delivered in 1806, apartment no. 8, Cour des Princes.
- Jean-Pierre Samoyault, “Pendules et bronzes d’ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire”, 1989, p. 52.
- Spanish Royal collection, “Catálogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional”, 1987, p. 261.
- Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, p. 219 #483.
- Tardy, “Dictionnaire des horlogers français”, p. 74.