Farcot or Carrier-Belleuse Conical Mystery Clock

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Farcot or Carrier-Belleuse Conical Mystery Clock

About the Item

This Farcot conical clock was acquired from a private collector whose family originally purchased the masterpiece at the Great London Exhibition of 1862 for which it was made. Monumental and majestic, the clock was crafted by two of France's most important artisans of the late 19th century, Eugéne Farcot and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. Of the 29 such clocks ever made, this masterpiece is one of only seven known to exist. Items displayed at Europe's Great Exhibitions were the absolute finest examples of science and art ever imagined. The sheer number of visitors, which often included European royalty, meant a tremendous opportunity for artists to showcase their most spectacular works, as this was often their key means of advertising. Renowned French clockmaker Eugéne Farcot showcased this incredible conical model at the most prestigious exhibitions, including Paris in 1861, London in 1862, Paris in 1867, Philadelphia in 1876 and Paris for the last time in 1878. To be featured in successive exhibitions is a testament to the pronounced significance of the maker and his astounding creation. Created by foremost French sculptor Carrier-Belleuse, the magnificent sculpture perched atop a base of rouge girotte marble is that of Urania, the Greek muse of astronomy. The gloriously patinated maiden holds high above her the conical pendulum accentuated with signs of the zodiac. The distinguishing factor of the conical pendulum is that it is in constant motion, unlike traditional pendulums that continuously start and stop as it swings from side to side. The constant motion makes this clock one of the most accurate timekeepers of its era. Eugéne Farcot was the most well-known of the French conical clock makers and he helped popularize the unique pendulum escapement. The delicate mechanism noiselessly rotates from below the pendulum, keeping time with the dial, making it difficult for an onlooker to detect the source. Workings such as these led to the phrase mystery clocks. Farcot made only a few small clocks using the conical device but none that even compare to the size of the Carrier-Belleuse collaborations. Farcot established himself at the Rue de Trois Bornes in 1860 where he remained for 30 years mastering his Craft. Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most important sculptors of the 19th century. He began his official art studies in 1840 at the L'Ecole des Beaux Arts. He spent a short time in London developing his Craft before returning to debut his work at the famed Salon in 1850. Seven years later his delightful bronze busts and statues took notice from Napoleon III. The French emperor commissioned him for several important national works including his most renowned work, Torchère, which flanks the staircase of the Paris Opera House. In 1875 Carrier de Belleuse was named director of works of art at Sèvres Porcelain factory, perhaps the most prestigious appointment in the French art world. His pupils included Auguste Rodin and Mathurin Moreau. Provenance: Purchased at the Great London International Exhibiton of 1862; Descended through family of private collector The movement is monogramed “EF” and inscribed “Calibre 1 No. 23” circa 1860 Measures: 30” wide x 24” deep x 110” high.

Creator:
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (Sculptor),EUGÈNE FARCOT OF PARIS Also known as HENRY EUGÈNE ADRIEN FARCOT (1830-1896) (Clockmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 110 in (279.4 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Style:
Other (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Griotte Marble
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1860
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-48571stDibs: LU89117150073

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