Antique Art Nouveau Mantel Clock w. Owl & Bird's Nest Sculpture By Emile Bernaux

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Antique Art Nouveau Mantel Clock w. Owl & Bird's Nest Sculpture By Emile Bernaux

About the Item

Unique Art Nouveau mantel clock, made and marked by French designer & sculptor Emile Bernaux. Over the years we have sold a number of rare and beautiful antique mantel and table clocks, but this French Art Nouveau specimen could very well be the rarest and aesthetically finest. Emile Bernaux (1883-1970) was one of those multi-talented artists who could both design AND hand-create those (attractive and meaningful) designs out of various, top quality materials. With his unique designs and distinctive way of hand carving (what one could call 'organically abstract') he rapidly made a name for himself and already at a young age was capable of attracting attention within the art loving community. His career started when Europe was in the middle of (what later became known as) the Art Nouveau era and lasted through the Art Deco and even well into the Midcentury Modern era. As shown in image 6 this work-of-art-mantel-clock was made by Emile Bernaux in 1908. We have yet to find another mantel clock by Bernaux and with it being made as early as 1908 this may very well be one of his first sculptural Art Nouveau works of art. And with the thick and handcarved nutwood 'clockhouse' being in the condition it is in, we are confident in qualifying this antique as museum worthy. It also comes with a perfect working, 30 day (!) clock and striking mechanism, striking once at the half hours and as many as the small hand indicates on the whole hours. What takes this stunning clock to the next level are the multiple animal carvings. They are all done in the distinctive Bernaux manner which, in our view, means that they are organically stylized in a slightly abstract way. We also believe that they are not chosen randomly, because the owl is nocturnal and in that way symbolizing day and nighttime. The bird's nest, we believe, is a symbol for the seasons, but also for the circle of life, which symbolizes the beginning and end of each 'lifeTIME'. The same can be said about the remarkably stylized honey bees on the top (and seen from the top) as they feed themselves via the flowers. And finally the flowing tree or plant branch on the front of this clock, which has already lost some of its leafs, can be seen as a symbol for death and rebirth. Because of the three extra dial faces below the large one we have also learned that this is in fact also known as a 'calender clock'. And when we realized that, then the four sculptures (the two on the sides, the one on top and the one in the front) could very well represent the four seasons. The springtime on the left, the summer on top, the fall in the front and the winter on the right. Via a special brass arm on the exquisite clock mechanism (see images 16 & 18) the three smaller dials too are operated. Because of natural patination (through oxidation) the 3 smaller dial faces on the front of this unique clock have become almost black and it is very difficult to read what they indicate. Here in Europe we love this 'patina' and therefor we really do not wish to polish these, probably silvered, smaller dial faces. The one on the left is moving relatively fast and that dial indicates the days of the week, Monday through to Sunday (in French abbreviations). The one in the middle indicates the date of the month (1st through to 31st) and the dial face on the right indicates the month of the year (January through to December). The dial hand on the smaller dial face on the right is missing, but can easily be replaced and some of the black numerals on the large dial face are somewhat warn. Apart from these imperfections this stunning, museum worthy and meaningful antique clock, from the heydays of the French Art Nouveau era, is in superb condition and certainly ready for you to use and enjoy. Mind you, our fair price for this one of a kind and highly collectable Bernaux clock, with its rare and superb 30-day mechanism, includes perfect packing and also worldwide shipping from our store to your door in just 3 to 5 days. Maximum height x width x depth: 16 x 10.5 x 7.6 inches. We have a passion for the unique, for quality, for stylish yet practical and for the best craftsmanship of years gone by. Your purchases will be extremely well packaged and we look forward to serving you (again).

Creator:
Émile Bernaux (Sculptor, Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 7.6 in (19.31 cm)
Style:
Arts and Crafts (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Iron,Metal,Nutwood,Oak,Walnut,Cast,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Patinated,Polished,Silvered
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
1907-1908
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. This highly collectible and museum worthy clock also comes with a key for winding the mechanisms. Please also read our item description.
Seller Location:
Lisse, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: FiGQ4093363403 Free Shipping1stDibs: LU2341342781382

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