French Louis Philippe figural mantel clock with lady
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This French figural mantel clock dates to the Louis Philippe period around 1840. The piece is constructed from fire-gilt and dark patinated bronze, standing on a rectangular plinth with four scrolling bracket feet.
The base facade is cast in relief with rocailles and acanthus foliage. Above sits a dark patinated bronze rocky formation into which the circular clock movement is integrated. The gilt bronze dial features black Roman numerals and dual winding apertures. Surmounting the case is a fully sculpted fire-gilt bronze female figure in period dress with a hat, holding a small scepter, beside a hanging basket motif. The reverse houses a round French movement with silk thread suspension striking on a bell every half hour.
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
- Type
- Figural mantel clock
- Period
- Louis Philippe era, circa 1840
- Materials
- Fire-gilt and dark patinated bronze
- Dimensions
- 40 x 29 x 20 cm (HxWxD)
- Suspension
- Silk thread suspension
- Place recorded
- France
- Striking mechanism
- Half-hour strike on bell
Design
- Visible features
- • Fire-gilt bronze sculpted figure of a seated woman in period dress and hat holding a small scepter • Dark patinated bronze rocky outcrop housing the round clock dial and movement, accented with a gilt basket and foliate motif • Gilt bronze dial displaying Roman numerals with two winding apertures below the arbor • Rectangular fire-gilt plinth cast with relief scrolling acanthus and rocaille decoration on four scroll feet
- Dial and Timekeeping Mechanism
- The clock face is comprised of a gilt bronze dial featuring black Roman numerals and delicate hands. The circular movement is integrated into the dark patinated bronze rock formation. It utilizes a French-style silk thread suspension system. The movement includes a half-hour striking mechanism on a bell. The source notes the movement was observed to be running, and the assembly is visible on the reverse.
- Physical Composition and Design
- The clock is constructed as a figural mantel piece, featuring a rectangular base of fire-gilt bronze raised on four curved scroll feet. The plinth facade is decorated with relief rocaille and acanthus foliage. Surmounting this is a naturalistically modeled rock formation finished in dark patinated bronze, which serves as the housing for the clock movement. The sculptural element consists of a fully sculpted, fire-gilt bronze female figure in period attire, accented by a pearl necklace and a small scepter. A basket is attached to the side of the rocky mound, contributing to the bucolic depiction.
- Historical Attribution and Condition
- The mantel clock is attributed to the French Louis Philippe period, circa 1840. This classification is noted as a typical work for the era, during which rural and allegorical figural scenes were popular in bourgeois salons. Source-provided dimensions are 40 x 29 x 20 cm. Regarding condition, it is noted that the fire-gilding is partially minimally rubbed and the clock is sold as an aged object.
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: No specific maker, foundry, or movement signature is recorded in the auction catalog
- Research required: Catalog notes minor rubbing to the fire-gilding consistent with age