Horloge de table en forme de crucifix, Ilario Allodi à Parme
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18ème siècle
This crucifix-form table clock features a movement signed by Ilario Allodi of Parma. The structure consists of an ebonized hexagonal wooden base fitted with six framed glazed viewing apertures revealing parts of the movement.
Above the base, flanked by gilt bronze figures of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rises a tall gilt bronze cross displaying Christ crucified below an 'INRI' scroll. Time indication is twofold: an upper rotating globe at the summit indicating six hours and a circular white enamel dial set horizontally into the base marked for twelve hours. The mechanism features two barrels, a cylinder escapement, and striking on hours and half-hours.
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
- Crucifix table clock
- Dimensions
- 50 cm height, 20 cm length, 17 cm width
- Escapement
- Cylinder escapement
- Place recorded
- Italy
- Maker Signature
- Ilario Allodi de Parme
- Maker / attribution
- Ilario Allodi
- Dials and Indications
- Top six-hour globe and twelve-hour horizontal white enamel base dial
- Base Material and Form
- Hexagonal ebonized wood base
- Figural Bronze Elements
- Gilt bronze Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Christ crucified
Design
- Visible features
- • The hexagonal base rests on turned metal feet and features glazed rectangular side panels with brass or gilt frames. • The upper surface of the base is decorated with a checkered or parquetry-style metallic plate around the horizontal dial. • A spherical finial or indicator globe terminates the cross above the INRI banner.
- Dual Dial Displays and Mechanism
- Time indication is provided in two distinct locations: a rotating globe at the top of the cross calibrated for a six-hour period, and a horizontal circular white enamel dial calibrated for twelve hours located on the upper surface of the base. According to the source, the movement is signed by Ilario Allodi of Parma and follows a French layout. It is fitted with two barrels, a cylinder escapement, and a striking train sounding the hours and half-hours, though internal plates and escapement details remain only partially visible through the side windows.
- Composition and Sculptural Iconography
- The clock is constructed as a devotional calvary set upon a hexagonal ebonized wood base with small glazed openings on its six sides intended to reveal movement details. Surmounting the base are gilt bronze figures representing the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene flanking a central gilt bronze cross bearing Christ crucified, topped with an "INRI" inscription above the head of Christ. Visual observation indicates that the hexagonal base rests upon small turned metal feet and incorporates framed rectangular viewing apertures on each face, while the upper horizontal surface surrounding the base dial is embellished with a checkered or parquetry-like metal plate.
- Maker Context and Chronological Discrepancies
- The dealer references Enrico Morpurgo's 'Dictionnaire des Horlogers Italiens', which records Ilario Allodi as having built a "Calvaire" type clock with a cylinder escapement in Parma circa 1800, as well as a horizontal clock positioned next to a cross. A date discrepancy exists between the listing metadata (which assigns the piece to the 18th century) and Morpurgo's cited reference placing Allodi's calvary clock to circa 1800, leaving the precise period of manufacture unresolved in the present documentation.
Identification
- Reference
- 1346696
- 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: Internal movement plates and escapement details are only partially visible through the side windows in the images provided.
- Research required: The source cites Enrico Morpurgo dating a calvary clock by Allodi to circa 1800, whereas the listing field dates it generally to the 18th century.