Choiselat Gallien - Flore Et Zéphyr - Empire-era Clock In Gilded Bronze With Patina - Dlg

A very fine Empire period mantel clock in finely chased, gilt and patinated bronze, presenting an elegant mythological composition that can be identified as Flora and Zephyrus.

Conceived as a true sculptural group, the clock features two fully modelled figures standing on either side of the movement. Flora, dressed in the Antique manner with one breast uncovered, delicately holds a flower in her hand. Facing her is Zephyrus, depicted as a youthful winged figure turning towards the goddess. Between them, an abundant basket of flowers crowns the dial and completes the iconography of the composition.

The subject originates in classical mythology and, more specifically, in the story of Chloris and Zephyrus. Zephyrus, the personification of the gentle west wind announcing the return of fine weather, falls in love with the nymph Chloris. Following their union, she becomes Flora, goddess of flowers, blossoming and Spring.

The flower held by the female figure, the profusion of blossoms between the two protagonists and the presence of the youthful winged god thus take on their full significance: the composition evokes the meeting of Flora and Zephyrus and, through their union, the awakening and renewal of nature.

This poetic iconography perfectly reflects the Empire taste for subjects drawn from Classical Antiquity, which Parisian bronziers transformed into elaborate sculptural compositions intended for refined interiors.

The clock is particularly distinguished by the high quality of its bronzes. The faces, hair, wings of Zephyrus, Flora’s drapery and the delicately rendered flowers display precise casting and particularly fine chasing.

The combination of gilt and patinated bronze further enriches the composition. The different tones of patina and the contrasts between matte and polished surfaces give depth and definition to the group while highlighting the quality of the sculptural details.

The enamel dial with Roman numerals is set within a richly ornamented case decorated with openwork scrolls, palmettes, foliage and floral motifs. The whole rests upon an architectural base adorned with a central wreath, scrolling foliage, rosettes and a frieze of water leaves.

A particularly noteworthy feature is that the decoration continues onto the sides of the clock. Such attention to areas that are usually treated much more simply is relatively uncommon and demonstrates the particularly high level of finish devoted to this piece.

Through its architectural construction, rich Neoclassical vocabulary, prominent use of mythological figures and sophisticated combination of gilt and patinated bronze, this clock can be stylistically related to the productions of Choiselat-Gallien, one of the important names in Parisian bronze manufacture during the late Empire and early Restoration periods.

The firm belonged to the great tradition of Parisian workshops that brought French furnishing bronzes to an exceptional level of refinement. Its productions are notably characterised by high-quality casting and chasing, a rich Classical vocabulary and compositions in which the figures assume a genuinely sculptural presence.

In the absence of a bronzier’s mark allowing a definitive attribution, this comparison remains stylistic. Nevertheless, the quality of execution, unusual richness of the decoration and degree of finish extending even to the sides place this clock among the finer Parisian productions of the Empire period.

Preserved in very fine overall condition, the clock is as appealing for the poetry of its subject as for the refinement of its execution. The successful combination of mythology, sculpture and horology makes it a particularly fine example of the sophistication of Parisian decorative arts in the early 19th century.

Period: Empire, early 19th century
Origin: Paris, France
Materials: finely chased, gilt and patinated bronze
Subject: Flora and Zephyrus
Stylistic comparison: Choiselat-Gallien
Condition: very fine overall condition

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