Empire "chariot" Mantel Clock, Ormolu, Early 19th Century

Provenance

An Empire period Ormolu mantel clock from the early 19th century, circa 1805. The model belongs to the group of so-called “chariot clocks”, a type particularly associated with the Empire taste for Antiquity, Roman military imagery and heroic iconography. The composition depicts an ancient Roman warrior, wearing a crested helmet and armour, standing in a chariot drawn by two rearing horses.

Description

The clock is set on a rectangular gilt-bronze plinth, the front applied with a finely modelled military trophy composed of helmets, cuirasses, shields, fasces, crossed weapons and related martial attributes. On either side, ribbon-tied laurel wreaths complete the decorative arrangement. The base is raised on four lion-paw feet, a characteristic motif of the Empire vocabulary. Above, the antique chariot is formed as a richly decorated circular body, embellished with oak leaves, palmettes and lanceolate ornament. The circular dial is integrated into the wheel of the chariot and has a white enamelled porcelain chapter ring with black Roman numerals. The two horses are shown in a powerful forward movement, their raised forelegs and tense bodies giving the composition a strong sense of dynamism. The harnesses, chains, reins, twisted cords, traces and connecting elements of the team are present and retain their original arrangement according to the information provided. The warrior stands upright in the chariot, holding the reins in a commanding pose. The whole design combines themes of strength, victory and classical antiquity, in a manner fully consistent with the decorative language of the Empire period.

Technique and materials

Chased and fire-gilt bronze. The quality of the chasing is visible in the treatment of the oak leaves, horse manes, harness fittings, military trophies, helmet plume and anatomical modelling of the horses. The gilding is very well preserved, with a rich tone and a fine contrast between matte and burnished surfaces.

Dating

Empire period, early 19th century, circa 1805. The dating is supported by the antique chariot composition, military iconography, lion-paw feet, palmette decoration, trophy mounts and the use of mercury gilding.

Condition

Good overall state of preservation. The clock is complete. The delicate elements of the harnessing, including reins, chains, cords and fittings, are present and original according to the information supplied. The original gilding is very well preserved. Minor signs of age, light wear and natural variations to the gilt-bronze surface are visible.

Function and display

A collector’s mantel clock intended for display on a fireplace, console, bureau plat or in a classical interior. Through its architectural base, antique subject and preserved gilding, it forms a strong decorative centrepiece for an Empire, neoclassical or collector’s setting.

Dimensions

height – 41 cm
width – 59 cm
depth – 15 cm