Clock Portico Empire Watchmaker : Hunziker 1805

An Empire period portico clock, circa 1805, in finely chased andmercury-gilded bronze, resting on an elegant black marble base withrigorously symmetrical lines inspired by Antiquity. The compositionadopts the classic portico form, with two rectangular uprightssupporting a simple entablature on which the suspended circularmovement is mounted.

The piece is distinguished by the refined contrast between the depth ofthe polished black marble and the matte, satin sheen of themercury-gilding. The large, domed, circular dial in white enamel issigned Hunziker, a clockmaker listed in Tardy's dictionary of Frenchclockmakers. It features black Roman numerals, a railway minute track,and delicate openwork hands. The dial's frame is adorned with a beadedfrieze and rows of finely chased stylized leaves.

The clock's apex is crowned with an imposing floral bouquet burstingfrom a fluted vase, surrounded by a garland of ivy and cascadingclusters of foliage on either side of the dial. This naturalisticornamentation lends fluidity and movement to the otherwise austerearchitecture. On either side stand two facing griffins, mythologicalcreatures with the body of a lion and outstretched wings, symbols ofvigilance and power inherited from the decorative vocabulary ofantiquity, revived during the Empire period. The black marble uprightsare embellished with gilt-bronze appliqués depictingantique-style floral compositions: flowering vases, palmettes, acanthusleaves, and finely openwork scrolls. The stepped bases are highlightedwith gilt-bronze twists and rest on delicately guillochécircular feet.

Below the dial, a spectacular heraldic motif features two facing eagleswith their wings fully spread. The birds, rendered with remarkablenaturalism in the detail of their plumage, face each other. Each holdsin its beak a leafy oak branch with deeply veined leaves, a traditionalsymbol of power, fidelity, and permanence. The two branches frame thescene and meet in an elegant curve, culminating in a spectacularradiant sun centered on a mask, evoking a solar figure in theNeoclassical style. The rectangular plinth is adorned on its front withrelief friezes depicting winged putti moving through vegetal scrolls,framing a central floral motif rendered in a rosette.

Through the quality of its mercury gilding, the richness of itsdecorative repertoire borrowed from Antiquity, and the elegance of itsblack marble and gilt bronze construction, this clock is a remarkableexample of the Empire style of the early 19th century.

Original mechanism unaltered, wire suspension, striking the hours andhalf-hours on an antique bell.


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