The Cocoa Harvest - Empire Clock In Patinated And Gilded Bronze From The Restoration Period

A clock depicting the Cocoa Harvest, showing an Indigenous woman picking and filling a basket with cocoa beans. The silvered metal dial is set within a frame whose four corners are adorned with cocoa pods. On the base is a trophy with a bow, arrows, and a feathered Indigenous headdress. The clock features a wire-driven movement that strikes the hours and half-hours. This piece dates from the Empire/Restoration period, circa 1820. Our clock belongs to the tradition of so-called "Negro" clocks, which depict idealized figures of harvesters or porters in tropical settings—often stylized to suit Neoclassical taste. Cocoa, introduced to Europe as early as the 17th century, became a luxury item in the 19th century, associated with colonial wealth. Representing it in a clock celebrates exoticism, abundance, and the mastery of time and nature. Beautiful mercury gilding in matte and gloss finishes. The clock is in good condition with no missing parts. The mechanism appears complete and functional, including the pendulum and key. (A watchmaker should be consulted for servicing, cleaning, and initial adjustments; please contact us for details.) Height 35cm Width 24cm