Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this piece to the 1870s.
~Meunier, Paris~
~ French - Circa 1870 ~
~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~
It depicts Europa being kidnapped by Zeus who has transformed into a bull. The bull stands proudly, crisply modelled in patinated bronze, upon a Rococo base of ormolu (finely gilded bronze).
Europa is seated on top of the clock holding garlands of flowers, she is also beautifully modelled in ormolu. Ormolu and bronze are in superb original condition.
The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with the original finely fretted gilt brass hands and convex glass.
The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is original with clockmakers mark and serial number. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running.
Meunier is listed in Tardy Dictionnaire Des Horologers as working at the Route de Versailles in 1870.
A Louis XV example by Saint-Germain can be seen in the Louvre, see Pierre Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française. An example by Robert Osmond is in the Getty Museum, see European Clocks in the J Paul Getty Museum.
Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration. the bronze patination is also excellent with just some slight wear on the high spots. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage. A stunning clock in lovely condition.
Dial signed by Meunier and the clockmakers mark on the movement backplate.
Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.
Dimensions of clock:
inches: Height 20", Width 14 1/2", Depth 6 1/2"
centimetres: Height 51 cm, Width 37 cm, Depth 16.5 cm
About us - All of our clocks are original antiques, we source most of our clocks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. We prefer to buy our clocks in original 'dirty' condition. We then clean the cases using a technique we have developed over many years. We employ two qualified clockmakers who overhaul the movements. Movements are thoroughly tested until we are satisfied that they will run trouble free.
If enquiring by email, please include your phone number.
Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this piece to the 1870s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragon-Antiques.com Profile Page
Antique French Bronze and Ormolu Clock - Europa and the Bull by Meunier, Paris
