Important Allegorical Clock From The School Of Decorative Arts—empire Period—two Figures

A significant Empire-period clock, circa 1820, crafted from finely chiseled bronze gilded with mercury, depicting an allegory of the Fine Arts.

This beautiful composition is centered around a case housing the movement, surmounted by a bust of Homer, a symbol of the Arts and Letters. On either side of the dial stand two elegant female figures dressed in ancient style. One holds a hammer and chisel, evoking Sculpture, while the other personifies Painting. The pillar is adorned with the attributes of the various artistic disciplines and rests on a base decorated with a large bas-relief depicting putti surrounded by the tools of painting, sculpture, architecture, and drawing.

This model is particularly interesting for its dimensions, as it measures 58 cm in height, a size significantly larger than that of the allegorical clocks usually found. Clocks dedicated to the Fine Arts are already a rare sight on the market; examples of this significance are significantly rarer.

The quality of the engraving also deserves special mention. The figures feature elegant modeling, finely rendered drapery, and high-quality cast iron—characteristics typical of fine Parisian productions from the Empire period.

The mercury gilding, entirely original, is preserved in very good overall condition. It has retained all its luster and shows only slight wear on the most exposed parts, which is perfectly normal for a piece created nearly two centuries ago.

The movement is in perfect working order. The clock is sold complete with its key, pendulum, and gong.

With its subject matter, unusual dimensions, the quality of its craftsmanship, and its excellent state of preservation, this clock is a truly beautiful example of Parisian craftsmanship from the Empire period. It will naturally find its place on a mantelpiece or within a collection of French bronzes and clocks from the first quarter of the 19th century.

A piece of fine quality, combining features that are particularly prized by collectors today: large size, beautiful original mercury gilding, refined iconography, and perfect working condition.