French Gilt Ormolu Mantel Clock

19th century

Sold by Worboys Antiques

Description

An impressive, French gilt ormolu mantel clock depicting a story of the French Revolution.

The main feature is two young aristocrats in ornate court dress circa 1780. Between them is a romantic fountain. Similar scenes were a frequent subject of French painters in the first half of the 18th century but this model has the additional symbolism of a down-trodden peasant’s head glaring from the ground and a lady’s walking stick.

Beneath the dial is a plaque which is clearly the same couple at the same place many years later and after the Revolution. They are now modestly dressed and stooping from the effects of old age. Access to the fountain is prevented and all that remains of their former life is their memories and her walking stick.

The movement has an enamel dial with blue numerals and ornate pierced gilt brass hands.

It has an 8 day movement that strikes the hours on a bell, made by Boyer at an address in Rue Saintonge in the heart of old Paris.(France, c. 1870)

Dimensions

53.00cm high 39.00cm wide 17.00cm deep (20.87 inches high 15.35 inches wide 6.69 inches deep )

Current Condition

The case retains its original gilding in excellent condition. The movement has been serviced in our own workshops and is guaranteed for 12 month

Declaration

Worboys Antiques has dated this piece to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA221757

Dealers Notes

Please call us to discuss this item 01494 931812 If sending an enquiry please check your junk emails if you have not heard back from us within 24 hours.

Description

An impressive, French gilt ormolu mantel clock depicting a story of the French Revolution.

The main feature is two young aristocrats in ornate court dress circa 1780. Between them is a romantic fountain. Similar scenes were a frequent subject of French painters in the first half of the 18th century but this model has the additional symbolism of a down-trodden peasant’s head glaring from the ground and a lady’s walking stick.

“

Beneath the dial is a plaque which is clearly the same couple at the same place many years later and after the Revolution.

Worboys Antiques

They are now modestly dressed and stooping from the effects of old age. Access to the fountain is prevented and all that remains of their former life is their memories and her walking stick.