French Restoration Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
This French Restauration period mantel clock, dated circa 1820, features a hand-chased doré bronze case inset with a painted porcelain plaque. The plaque depicts the classical subject of the Continence of Scipio, showing the Roman general Scipio Africanus surrounded by soldiers and figures.
The ormolu case is decorated with floral garlands, columns, and winged lions, incorporating shell, acanthus, and scroll motifs. The time is displayed on a doré bronze dial with Roman numerals and a fleur-de-lis shaped hour hand. The clock movement is stamped "Schuller a Paris." Measuring approximately 15 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 28 1/2 inches high, the piece reflects the artistic themes of the era.
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
- circa 1820
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Schuller
- Subject
- The Continence of Scipio
- Dimensions
- 15" wide x 6" deep x 28 1/2" high
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement signature
- Schuller a Paris
- Maker / attribution
- Schuller
Design
- Visible features
- • Blue fleur-de-lis hour hand • Roman numerals on the dial • Winged lion motifs on the base • Painted porcelain plaque depicting a classical scene
- Dial and Movement
- The time is displayed on a doré bronze clock face positioned at the top of the clock structure. The dial features Roman numerals indicating the hours. The clock utilizes a fleur-de-lis shaped hour hand. The mechanical movement is signed and stamped with the maker's mark indicating origin in Paris.
- Case and Decorative Elements
- The clock is constructed from hand-chased doré bronze. The design incorporates numerous classical motifs consistent with the French Restauration period, including stately columns, garlands of fruit and flowers, and winged lions. Additional decorative details on the bronze casing include shell, acanthus, and scroll embellishments. These elements surround the central porcelain plaque and the clock face, creating an ornate aesthetic. The central panel features a porcelain plaque depicting the Continence of Scipio, a historical narrative concerning the Roman general Scipio Africanus. The scene includes the general in armor, a hostage, her fiancé, and various soldiers and trophies.
- Provenance and Historical Context
- The clock is attributed to the French Restauration period. This era followed the fall of Napoléon Bonaparte and is characterized by the integration of Neoclassical influence and the legacy of the Empire style. The auction description indicates that similar examples of clockwork by Schuller are found within the British Royal Collection, providing a point of comparison for the work of this maker.
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 exact provenance history of this specific clock is not provided
- Research required: The attribution of the painting technique on the porcelain plaque is not specified beyond being a painting