Clodion - Clock - Fireplace Mantelpiece In Marble, Gilded And Patinated Bronze, Napoleon III Period

Impressive Napoleon III-era mantelpiece – Gilded and patinated bronze, white marble – Candelabra modeled after Clodion

A substantial and spectacular fireplace set in finely chiseled, gilded, and patinated bronze and white marble, from the Napoleon III period, second half of the 19th century, consisting of a large central clock and a pair of two-light candelabra.

The set is distinguished by its generous dimensions, the richness of its decoration, and above all the emphasis placed on the sculpture, featuring several figures of children rendered in the round and displaying a very high quality of casting and chiseling.

The clock is dominated by a large patinated bronze putto, depicted standing next to the clock mechanism and holding a gilded bronze rooster in his arms. Surrounding him is an abundant composition of gilded bronze attributes and objects—an inverted vase, flowers, instruments, and decorative elements—arranged with an almost theatrical flair.

The movement is housed within a gilded bronze framework richly chased with foliage, friezes, and neoclassical ornaments. Its white enamel dial, featuring Roman and Arabic numerals, is animated by delicate gilded bronze hands.

The ensemble rests on a substantial rectangular white marble base, accented by a beaded frieze and supported by gilded bronze feet.

A remarkable pair of candelabra modeled after Clodion

The clock is accompanied by a matching pair of candelabra, each consisting of a patinated bronze child figure supporting two gilded bronze arms.

The figures, depicted in different and particularly natural poses, are signed “Clodion,” a reference to Claude Michel, known as Clodion (1738–1814), one of the most famous French sculptors of the 18th century.

These figures attest to the immense success his work enjoyed in the 19th century. Under Napoleon III, the finest Parisian manufacturers drew heavily on the 18th-century repertoire, particularly the world of Clodion, whose putti, bacchants, and youthful figures with graceful and spontaneous poses were especially sought after.

The figures here feature beautiful modeling and an antique, nuanced brown patina, elegantly contrasting with the gilded bronze arms. Each candelabra rests on a circular white marble base encircled by a row of gilded bronze beads and supported by small, foliage-adorned feet.

The opulence of the central clock, the quality of the figures, and the perfect harmony of the three elements give this set a particularly monumental and decorative presence.

It is a magnificent example of the taste for high-end Parisian decoration under Napoleon III, a period during which the great models of 18th-century sculpture and decorative arts were reinterpreted with exceptional richness and virtuosity.

Period: Napoleon III, second half of the 19th century
Materials: finely chased, gilded, and patinated bronze; white marble
Composition: clock and pair of two-light candelabras
Candelabras: figures signed “Clodion,” after Claude Michel, known as Clodion (1738–1814)
Condition: very good overall condition.

Professional delivery and packaging available upon request. International shipping available