Figural Pendulum Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1900
This figural pendulum clock, manufactured by Samuel Marti & Cie. circa 1900, is constructed from marble, brass, and brown-patinated cast metal. The clock stands on a four-legged base, featuring a round plinth decorated with a series of surrounding cupid scenes.
It is surmounted by a sculptural group entitled "The Song of Venus," which is attributed to Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905) and bears his signature on the side. The front of the clock incorporates a glazed dial featuring Arabic numerals. The movement is a pendulum-driven type capable of a half-hour strike on a bell. The clock plate is marked by the manufacturer. The total height of the object is approximately 78 centimeters.
The auction description reports that the object exhibits signs of age and wear, specifically noting a chipped cover plate, and confirms that while the clock functions in a short test, its overall accuracy remains untested.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- c. 1900
- Type
- Pendulum clock
- Maker
- Samuel Marti & Cie.
- Height
- 78 cm
- Movement
- Pendulum winding mechanism, 1/2 hour strike on bell
- Sculptor
- Alexandre-Victor Lequien
- Condition
- Signs of age and wear, cover plate chipped
- Materials
- marble/brass/cast metal
- Place recorded
- France
- Sculpture Subject
- "The Song of Venus"
- Maker / attribution
- Samuel Marti & Cie.
Design
- Case and Design
- The clock is built using a combination of marble, brass, and brown-patinated cast metal. It rests upon a base supported by four legs. A round plinth serves as the foundation for the primary sculptural element and is decorated with scenes of cupids in relief. The top of the clock features a sculptural group titled "The Song of Venus." This work is identified as being created after the sculptor Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905) and is signed on the side. The overall height of the clock is approximately 78 centimeters.
- Visible features
- • The sculptural group features a central female figure surrounded by cherubs • The base is supported by four ornate feet
- Dial and Movement
- A glazed dial is positioned in the front of the unit, displaying Arabic numerals. The timekeeping mechanism is a pendulum-type winding system designed for domestic use. The movement is equipped with a strike function that rings once every half-hour on an internal bell. The internal plate is marked by the manufacturer, Samuel Marti & Cie. The auction house reports that the clock functions during a short test, though its long-term accuracy has not been verified.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description notes general signs of age and wear commensurate with the age of the piece. Specific defects include a chipped cover plate. Attributions for the sculpture are given as being after Alexandre-Victor Lequien, and the timepiece is attributed to the French maker Samuel Marti & Cie. from approximately 1900.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The authorship of the sculpture is 'after' Alexandre-Victor Lequien
- Research required: The actual movement accuracy is unverified