Large Gilt Bronze Rocaille Fireplace Surround – France, 19th Century

A very large finely chased and gilded rocaille gilt bronze mantel piece, made in France in the 19th century.

It consists of a central clock and a pair of matching candelabra, forming a spectacular decorative ensemble.

The clock, a true masterpiece of ornamentation, features a sumptuous decoration of finely carved acanthus leaves, surrounding an enameled porcelain dial adorned with Roman numerals.
The ensemble is surmounted by a large rocaille shell, an emblematic motif of the Louis XV style, reinterpreted with lavish pomp by 19th-century artisans. It rests on two powerful scrolls, surmounted by delicately modeled winged putti facing each other, symbols of innocence and classical allegories.

The candelabras, in perfect harmony with the clock, each feature six light arms in the form of supple, sinuous branches, supported by graceful putti and resting on richly sculpted rococo bases.
Their balance between fantasy and technical mastery reflects the 19th-century passion for rediscovering 18th-century styles, while responding to the bourgeois and aristocratic taste for luxurious and lively interiors.

This set, as decorative as it is historical, rare in its proportions and its state of preservation and refinement, makes it an ideal choice for creating a grandiose decor on a fireplace, a chest of drawers or even a console table. The mechanical movement of the clock is in perfect working order.

Dimensions of the clock:
Height: 69 cm
Width: 71 cm
Depth: 23 cm

Dimensions of the candelabras:
Height: 69 cm
Diameter: 36 cm