Table Clock Depicting “the Reader”
An elegant table clock in finely gilded bronze with a mercury finish, dating from the late 18th century / early 19th century, characterized by a monumental composition in the Neoclassical style.
The clock’s structure is designed like an elegant seat or small sofa, richly adorned with plant motifs, volutes, rosettes, palmettes, and festoons, featuring refined openwork lozenge patterns and laurel leaf decorations. At the center is a circular enameled porcelain dial, featuring Roman numerals and hands in the style of the period, bearing the maker’s signature “Delhorme Cadet a Lyon” (a clockmaker active in Lyon, France).
Crowning the composition is a refined seated female figure, engrossed in reading a book, based on the allegorical subject known as “The Reader.” The figure, rendered with great elegance, features an elaborate antique-style hairstyle and flowing drapery—elements typical of the neoclassical repertoire. The modeling of the body and garments is enhanced by mercury gilding, which gives the entire piece a particularly intense and uniform luminosity.
The clock rests on a monumental, molded rectangular base, adorned with a refined frieze of leaves and plant motifs, supported by four volute feet with gilded decorative elements.
The quality of the casting, the richness of the chiseling, and the complex articulation of the decoration make this piece an important example of Neoclassical style, reflecting the refined European watchmaking and bronze casting traditions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Mechanism in perfect working order. Signed glazed porcelain dial.
Period: Early 19th century;
Provenance: France;
Dimensions: Height 35 cm; Width 36 cm; Depth 16 cm;
Condition: Excellent condition;
Documentation: Certificate of authenticity.
Assistance: We are available for further clarification, information, and images;
Shipping: Available throughout Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world. Reasonable prices, maximum security, and full traceability. (To be arranged privately).
We wish you a good day
Antichità Goglia
The clock’s structure is designed like an elegant seat or small sofa, richly adorned with plant motifs, volutes, rosettes, palmettes, and festoons, featuring refined openwork lozenge patterns and laurel leaf decorations. At the center is a circular enameled porcelain dial, featuring Roman numerals and hands in the style of the period, bearing the maker’s signature “Delhorme Cadet a Lyon” (a clockmaker active in Lyon, France).
Crowning the composition is a refined seated female figure, engrossed in reading a book, based on the allegorical subject known as “The Reader.” The figure, rendered with great elegance, features an elaborate antique-style hairstyle and flowing drapery—elements typical of the neoclassical repertoire. The modeling of the body and garments is enhanced by mercury gilding, which gives the entire piece a particularly intense and uniform luminosity.
The clock rests on a monumental, molded rectangular base, adorned with a refined frieze of leaves and plant motifs, supported by four volute feet with gilded decorative elements.
The quality of the casting, the richness of the chiseling, and the complex articulation of the decoration make this piece an important example of Neoclassical style, reflecting the refined European watchmaking and bronze casting traditions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Mechanism in perfect working order. Signed glazed porcelain dial.
Period: Early 19th century;
Provenance: France;
Dimensions: Height 35 cm; Width 36 cm; Depth 16 cm;
Condition: Excellent condition;
Documentation: Certificate of authenticity.
Assistance: We are available for further clarification, information, and images;
Shipping: Available throughout Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world. Reasonable prices, maximum security, and full traceability. (To be arranged privately).
We wish you a good day
Antichità Goglia
4 250 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Bronze
Reference (ID): 1826209
Availability: In stock
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