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A Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock

About the Item

A Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock With A Patinated Bronze Figure of 'Phryné' by James Pradier. France, Circa 1860. Surmounted by a finely cast patinated bronze figure of the Grecian courtesan, 'Phryne', cast from the model by Jean Jacques (called James) Pradier (1790-1852). Atop a rouge griotte marble entablature with fluted sides and stepped base fronted by a clock dial with Roman numeral chapters, the twin-barrel movement with strike on bell. Signed 'Pradier' French, circa 1860. Phryné was companion of the Greek sculptor Praxiteles, and had been accused of ungodliness. Facing certain conviction, at a loss for what to do, her lawyer asked her to remove her clothes to show her innocence, and this immediately convinced the judges of her purity and she was acquitted. It is likely that Pradier's inspiration was the beautiful actress Juliette Drouet (1806-830, by whom he had had a daughter some years before. Pradier's statue of Phryné was originally made from Parian marble, an entirely appropriate medium in view of the very Grecian subject of the work. The marble of Phryné stood to a height of almost two meters with her jewels and drapery highlighted in polychrome and gold, she made a dazzling impression at the Salon of 1845. In 1851, Pradier exhibited her at the Great Exhibition in London and his was the only work by a French sculptor to be awarded a council medal. Pradier licensed production of bronze reductions of his statues to the foundeur Susse Frères. Who in turn agreed to cast an edition to a high standard. Several contracts exist between Pradier and Susse dated between 1841 and the sculptor's death in 1852, and thereafter giving Susse full ownership to continue editing his work. Susse Frères sales catalogue of 1860 lists the bronze statuette of 'Phryné' at 40 cm. high, like the present example, retailing at 150 Ffr. Comparative Literature: C. Lapaire, James Pradier (1790-1852) et la sculpture française de la génération romantique, Catalogue Raisonné, Lausanne, 2010, cat. 232, pp. 331-333.
  • Creator:
    J. Pradier (Sculptor)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25.6 in (65 cm)Width: 13 in (33 cm)Depth: 7.49 in (19 cm)
  • Style:
    Napoleon III (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Griotte Marble,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1860
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Brighton, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: B763901stDibs: LU1028031755582