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Empire Style Ormolu Clock Set Depicting the Oath of the Horatii

$33,361.91per set
£24,000per set
€28,346.31per set
CA$45,458.43per set
A$51,201.55per set
CHF 26,515.44per set
MX$621,822.58per set
NOK 336,807.47per set
SEK 319,490.30per set
DKK 211,502.48per set
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About the Item

This exquisite 19th century trio is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabra. The design of the clock case is widely acknowledged to be inspired by one of the most important paintings of French Revolution, ‘The Oath of the Horatii’ by Jacques-Louis David (France, 1748-1825.) The clock depicts the sacrificial oath taken by the three Horatii brothers, who legendarily promised to fight the rival Curiatii brothers on behalf of the city of Rome. Figures of the Horatii brothers stand on the work’s left hand side and face their father on the opposite right of the piece. As they raise their right hands in a gesture of patriotic and familial piety, the clock’s decoration immortalises the Horatii as the embodiment of ancient Roman valour. The silver clock-face itself is surrounded by intricate floral design, and surmounted by images connoting natural abundance and sacrificial honour. Garlands, weaponry, and rams’ heads combine to create a striking image of religious devotion and military resilience. The rectangular plinth on which the clock stands is decorated with a plaque, which illustrates the sole surviving Horatii brother on the precipice of triumph. Surrounded by his dying brothers, the standing figure brandishes his sword and prepares to slay his final Curiatii foe. Bestial inspired paws hold the plinth off the ground; references to mythology and animals are further reflected in the candelabra, which are decorated and with Egyptian Revival sphinx. A similar narrative design is exhibited on a Royal Collection clock, now housed at Buckingham Palace (Jagger, C. Royal Clocks, London 1983, pl. 195.) Dimensions Clock: height 62 cm; width 55.5 cm; depth 20.5 cm. Candelabra: height 67 cm.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24.41 in (62 cm)Width: 21.86 in (55.5 cm)Depth: 8.08 in (20.5 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Please contact dealer for condition report.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 116161stDibs: LU9563862457

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