Putto Figural Clock
A putto figural clock brings the sculptural charm of winged cherubs and cupids together with precision horology, offering both decorative presence and timekeeping.
Putto Figural Clock
The most common examples on this page are French mantel clocks and clock garnitures that pair patinated or gilt bronze figures with marble plinths and hand-painted dials. Makers incorporate figures alongside elements like globes, dogs or floral motifs to create balanced decorative objects for domestic interiors.
Materials and construction
Foundries cast these figures in bronze or brass before applying mercury gilding, known as ormolu, or patination to achieve contrasting finishes. Marble bases provide substantial weight and contrast against the warm metallic tones of the figures and clock cases.
Movements utilise brass gear trains, sometimes featuring silk suspension or platform escapements, paired with enamel or hand-painted ceramic dials. Clockmakers and bronze founders collaborated closely, resulting in unified compositions where the mechanical housing supports the sculptural putto.
Several putti are caught mid-mischief, sharing the mantel with faithful hounds and curious globes.
Evaluating craftsmanship and detail
Quality rests in the crispness of the bronze chasing and the depth of the original gilding or patination. Finer examples display meticulous hand-finishing on the putto's hair, wings and musculature, whereas simpler pieces show softer casting lines and uniform plating.
The integration between the sculptural elements and the clock case distinguishes higher-tier works from standard production. Superior clocks feature bespoke cases designed specifically around the figure rather than generic housings fitted with stock cherub ornaments.
BELLENOT PARIS·John Bennett Cheapside London·Henry Berkeley Square London·F Marti·P.H. Mourey·JAPY FRERES
The Putto Figural Clock Glossary
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze produced by applying a mercury and gold amalgam to a bronze base and heating it. This technique creates a durable, warm golden finish characteristic of nineteenth-century decorative arts.
- Putto
- A plump, naked male child figure, frequently winged, derived from classical art. In these clocks, putti act as allegorical attendants or playful companions to the central timepiece.
- Garniture
- A set of decorative objects designed to be displayed together, typically consisting of a central clock flanked by matching candelabra or vases. These sets extend the sculptural theme across a mantelpiece.
- Silk suspension
- A clock movement mechanism where the pendulum hangs from a fine loop of silk thread rather than a metal spring. This method appears in earlier nineteenth-century pieces before falling out of favour for more robust steel suspensions.
- Fusee
- A conical pulley used in spring-driven clocks to equalise the declining power of the mainspring as it unwinds. This mechanism improves timekeeping accuracy across the duration of the wind.
Putto Figural Clock: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a nineteenth-century putto clock?
Use the designated winding key on the dial face, turning it gently until you feel resistance. Avoid overwinding, as this can strain the mainspring and disrupt the movement.
Ensure you keep the clock on a level surface to maintain the correct beat of the pendulum. If the clock stops, a professional horologist can adjust the escapement.
What is the difference between ormolu and gilt bronze?
Ormolu specifically refers to historical fire-gilding where practitioners applied a gold and mercury mixture to bronze. Gilt bronze is a broader term that can also include modern electroplating methods.
Historical ormolu displays a deep, soft lustre that does not tarnish in the way modern brass plating does. Cleaning should remain minimal to preserve this fragile historic surface layer.
How can I tell the difference between French and English clocks?
French clocks from this period often emphasise ornate sculptural gilt bronze cases, elaborately cast putti and intricate garniture sets. Movement makers like Japy Frères or F Marti frequently signed the backplates.
English examples by makers such as John Bennett or Henry tend to focus on precision movement design, sometimes pairing simpler gilt or bronze cases with robust fusee mechanisms.
Where should I place a marble and bronze clock?
Position the clock on a sturdy mantelpiece, sideboard or table away from direct sunlight and fluctuating heat sources. Marble and gilt bronze are sensitive to extreme temperature changes and moisture.
Because these pieces carry considerable weight from the marble base and bronze figures, ensure the supporting furniture is stable and level.