Solid silver writing set with clock. France, 19th century.
With hallmarks.
Writing set enhanced by a base slightly elevated by pieces decorated with stems and volutes with motifs that show Rococo influence. The front of this lower area, curved gently on the fronts and sides, has human masks and mirrors with plant motifs, as well as Rococo-style “shell shapes” in the central part, raised to highlight the clock. This one has a white dial with Roman numerals for the hours and lines for the minutes, and it is highlighted with a band of pearls in front and a winged mask in relief on the back, as well as a vase top that serves as a base for the bell, topped by a half-naked lady holding something like a tambourine. The inkwell and the sandbox, located on the sides of the base, have a vase shape similar to that of the bell but less decorated (engravings of scallops, bands, smooth shields ...), and are topped by two human figurines (a lady holding a bird, and a gentleman, dressed "in the manner of the Renaissance").
Both the decoration of the piece, of great quality and detail, as well as the curves and counter curves that it presents, are a good example of the influence of several artistic styles of different centuries, something common in 19th century silverware throughout Europe. The figure of the bell reminds of Classic Greek sculptures of Venus whose influence is habitual in the neoclassicist art, the smooth mirrors and the bands that enhance them can be seen in Renaissance examples, the movement that provides the curves and counter curves and the shapes that remind Rockies can be related to the Rococo.
The decorative details of the piece and its compositional lines are reminiscent of a piece preserved in a French private collection, Napoleon III era and made by Emile Hugo...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Sterling Silver Mantel Clocks
