Empire Style Mantel Clock, France In 1810. Type: Reading Clock

Antique Empire-style mantel clock with pendulum, in gilt bronze
Model: "La Lectura"
Period: Empire
Place of origin: France
Date of manufacture: Circa 1810
Materials and construction: Gilt and patinated bronze, marble
Dimensions:
Height: 33 cm
Width: 30 cm
Depth: 14.5 cm
A very fine example of this iconic French Empire clock. It is undoubtedly the most famous of a series of
clocks designed by Jean-André Reiche in the early 19th century and widely used
in the palaces and grand state buildings of France and its Empire. All feature
the same female figures, depicted in poses of study or learning. This one shows a young woman in a
classical dress reading a book by the light of an oil lamp. She sits at a table, on a richly patinated chair, with a stack of books behind her. The whole piece rests on an antique green marble base, itself supported by toupee-shaped feet.
The round brass movement, with a spring and silk thread, boasts an eight-day power reserve and is in perfect working order, striking the hours and half-hours on a single bell. The enamel dial is signed "Leclerc à Bruxelles," and features Roman numerals and gilt Breguet-style hands.

An identical version can be seen in: Ottomeyer and Proscell, "Vergoldete bronzen," p. 374, and E. Niehüser, "Die französische Bronzeuhr," p. 86.

€3750