Bronze Clock From The Napoleon III Period, Mid-19th Century

Dimensions: 50 cm high x 32 cm wide x 13 cmdeep
In the upper section, a young woman is depictedreading a book in front of an altar that frames the Virgin and Child, flanked bytwo saints. This type of depiction perfectly illustrates the table clocks ofthat era, on which it was common to depictmythological, courtly, or romantic scenes.
The meticulous craftsmanship is evident both in the larger figuresand their clothing as in the smaller figures.The entire piece is adorned with various motifs characteristic ofthe period, such as the floral garlands and therocaille patterns that surround the clock as a whole. The delicacy of the craftsmanship,visible even in the clock’s hands on the enameled dial, isparticularly striking.
These table clocks perfectly reflected French societyof the time, as they served not only to tellthe time but also to demonstrate social status andtechnological progress.
The distinctive medieval and Renaissance design of thesepieces gave rise to a nationalist style that became prevalent in thehomes of the bourgeoisie. This type of clock, made of bronze—adurable material—allowed for meticulous craftsmanship on complex shapes anda level of refinement highly prized by the affluent social classes.