Clock. Royal Russia. 19th Century.

A unique glass and bronze mantel clock made during the reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855) in the late Empire style. The solar theme, rising from the waters, is associated with the abundance of nature in the dial's ornamentation and the flowerpot dominating the conical glass. The overarching leitmotif of the movement of waves and time permeates the work and is evident in the rhythm of the glass and the dial's motif. At the center of the composition, He and She are attendants of Helios, Alpha and Omega of the universe. They rise from the waves and hold the sun, affirming love, life, and fertility. This is the guiding thread of time. The clock is made of gilt bronze, richly decorated with artistic motifs in the form of male and female figures mounted on a cobalt glass pedestal, purportedly manufactured at the Imperial Glassworks in Saint Petersburg, with bronze bases featuring growth-like ornamentation. The upper part of the watch is shaped like a vase and decorated with a floral motif in gilt bronze. The dial is marked with Roman numerals and decorated with a sunburst pattern of hours. References: Sychev Igor (Сычев Игорь). Russian Lamps of the Classical Era. 1760-1830. MPVBR 2003, illustrations 116, 189, 279, 305, 635, 795, 844, 845, 866 and 868.