Clock “chronos The Boat Of Time” Pickard 1830
Artist: Pickard
An important allegorical clock from the Charles X period, circa 1830,
in finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze, developing a poetic and
symbolic iconography around Time, Love, and human destiny.
The clock rests on an architecturally designed rectangular base, supported by scrolled feet adorned with rosettes. The front of the base features a remarkable bas-relief treated in the style of an antique frieze. This animated scene depicts Chronos, identifiable by his winged silhouette, in a boat gliding on the waves. The god of Time holds his scythe, while cupids flutter about, one guiding the boat with a long oar, the other carrying garlands of flowers and the attributes of earthly pleasures. This composition evokes the inexorable journey of existence driven by Time, while Love attempts to soften its course. The treatment of the drapery, wings, and flowing water demonstrates exceptionally fine chiseling, further enhanced by the matte and subtle sheen of the mercury gilding.
Above this base rises the main body of the clock in the form of a simply architectural, quadrangular pedestal, supporting a circular dial set within a rich wreath of flowers and ribbons. The dial, with its Roman numerals delicately engraved with foliate scrolls, is surmounted by the inscription “À MOI” (MINE), a central element of the work's symbolism. This motto can be interpreted as the irresistible pull of Time upon humankind, but also as a romantic allegory in which Love claims souls and hearts.
Below the dial, a ribboned bundle of arrows and torches reinforces this symbolic interpretation, uniting the traditional attributes of Cupid and those of Destiny. The piece is dominated by a large winged figure of Cupid, sculpted in the round with a gentle and elegant form. The young genius, partially draped in classical style and nude, leans towards the dial, which he points to, seemingly reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of time and the power of emotions. His other raised hand holds a delicate flower, a symbol of fragility and ephemeral beauty. Beside him appears an inverted torch, its sculpted flame representing life, passion, and its inevitable extinction by the passage of time. The curly hair, the meticulously veined wings, and the flowing drapery exemplify the elegance of Charles X's taste, still imbued with neoclassical influences but already attuned to a certain romantic sensibility.
The movement is stamped with the name of the watchmaker Pickard, listed in Tardy's dictionary of French watchmakers, attesting to the quality and renown of this 19th-century watchmaking firm. This clock combines the virtuosity of French ornamental sculpture, the richness of mercury gilding, and a sophisticated iconographic program where Chronos and Cupid unite their symbols in a refined meditation on the passage of time.
Original mechanism intact, unaltered, with a wire suspension. The hour and half-hour strikes are played on an antique bell with a clear and authentic sound.
ORDERING AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OUR WEBSITE
The clock rests on an architecturally designed rectangular base, supported by scrolled feet adorned with rosettes. The front of the base features a remarkable bas-relief treated in the style of an antique frieze. This animated scene depicts Chronos, identifiable by his winged silhouette, in a boat gliding on the waves. The god of Time holds his scythe, while cupids flutter about, one guiding the boat with a long oar, the other carrying garlands of flowers and the attributes of earthly pleasures. This composition evokes the inexorable journey of existence driven by Time, while Love attempts to soften its course. The treatment of the drapery, wings, and flowing water demonstrates exceptionally fine chiseling, further enhanced by the matte and subtle sheen of the mercury gilding.
Above this base rises the main body of the clock in the form of a simply architectural, quadrangular pedestal, supporting a circular dial set within a rich wreath of flowers and ribbons. The dial, with its Roman numerals delicately engraved with foliate scrolls, is surmounted by the inscription “À MOI” (MINE), a central element of the work's symbolism. This motto can be interpreted as the irresistible pull of Time upon humankind, but also as a romantic allegory in which Love claims souls and hearts.
Below the dial, a ribboned bundle of arrows and torches reinforces this symbolic interpretation, uniting the traditional attributes of Cupid and those of Destiny. The piece is dominated by a large winged figure of Cupid, sculpted in the round with a gentle and elegant form. The young genius, partially draped in classical style and nude, leans towards the dial, which he points to, seemingly reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of time and the power of emotions. His other raised hand holds a delicate flower, a symbol of fragility and ephemeral beauty. Beside him appears an inverted torch, its sculpted flame representing life, passion, and its inevitable extinction by the passage of time. The curly hair, the meticulously veined wings, and the flowing drapery exemplify the elegance of Charles X's taste, still imbued with neoclassical influences but already attuned to a certain romantic sensibility.
The movement is stamped with the name of the watchmaker Pickard, listed in Tardy's dictionary of French watchmakers, attesting to the quality and renown of this 19th-century watchmaking firm. This clock combines the virtuosity of French ornamental sculpture, the richness of mercury gilding, and a sophisticated iconographic program where Chronos and Cupid unite their symbols in a refined meditation on the passage of time.
Original mechanism intact, unaltered, with a wire suspension. The hour and half-hour strikes are played on an antique bell with a clear and authentic sound.
ORDERING AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OUR WEBSITE
2 200 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th
Condition: Fully restored in our whorkshop
Material: Bronze
Width: 32 cm
Height: 44 cm
Depth: 12 cm
Reference (ID): 1769809
Availability: In stock
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