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An Exceptional French Mid-19th Century Triptych Bronze Empire Mantel Clock

About the Item

An Exceptional Very Fine French Mid-19th Century Triptych Gilt Bronze Sculptured Figural Empire Mantle Clock with Two Cherub Oil Lamps This is an extraordinary and exceptional piece of finely sculptured gilt bronze and antimony three-piece garniture from (1830-1850) France depicting Europe and Africa. The rectangular marble base of the mantel clock is surmounted by a large and impressive patinated bronze figural of two women sculptures. On the right, a woman is simply dressed and adorned with flowers representing Africa, one of the ‘Four Continents’ (Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas) depicted in European Renaissance allegories. ‘Mama Africa’ is grasping the world, implying she is revolving the world on its axis in anticipation of where next is to be conquered. On the left, Roman Britannia is personified as a goddess, armed with a spear and wearing a Corinthian helmet, representing Europe ready for war. The base is decorated with porcelain (perceived) Sèvres plaque sky blue frame to the front. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, protected by a bevelled glass door, burnished steel hands, pendulum movement with silk thread suspension, hour and a half chime with spacer wheel on the bell. The triptych also consists of two ornately sculptured antimony cherub oil lamps. This is truly a remarkable piece that needs to be admired for its craftsmanship and historical importance. European fascination with Africans increased in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries due to the extensive transatlantic slave trade. Black figures – referred to as ‘Blackamoors’, a derogatory term – became symbols of cosmopolitanism, luxury and the exotic. In France, the Palace of Versailles was lavishly furnished with images of both real and imagined black individuals. Mantle Clock: Height 43.5 cm, Width. 66.5 cm, Depth. 16.5 cm. Oil Lamps: Height. 63 cm, Width. 21.5 cm, Depth. 25 cm. ------------------------------ Condition Report: Good Condition. As an antique, the mantle clock and oil lamps show signs of use commensurate with age—oxidation, defects and losses. These minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy, as seen in the accompanying photographs. This clock will be fully serviced before dispatch by our specialist horologist, an accredited member of the British Horological Institute established in 1858 to promote horology. Please allow a minimum of 28 days for delivery. Thank you. Mantle Clock: Height 43.5 cm, Width. 66.5 cm, Depth. 16.5 cm. Oil Lamps: Height. 63 cm, Width. 21.5 cm, Depth. 25 cm. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Provenance: From a private collection in Italy. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Literature: Cf.: Elke Niehuser, French Bronze Clocks: 1700-1830, 2001.

Metal:

Bronze

Dimensions:

Height: 17.13 in (435 mm)Width: 26.19 in (665 mm)Depth: 6.5 in (165 mm)

Style:

Empire

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

Mid-19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1830

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. As an antique, the mantle clock and oil lamps show signs of use commensurate with age—oxidation, defects and losses. These minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy, as seen in the accompanying photographs. This clock will be fully serviced.

Seller Location:

London, GB

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU2800216809772

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