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| Mantel Clock, 1860 Alabaster, Bronze, Ormolu Victoria & Albert Museum |
With a movement created by the famed French firm Japy Frères, this clock dates to 1860. The clock case—set atop an ebonized base and under a glass dome—was most likely crafted for the retailer, H.Y. Marc of Paris. The alabaster case features a shimmering bronze and ormolu sculpture of a warrior atop a charging stead. The timepiece is an excellent example of the singularly fine craftsmanship of the French clockmakers of the period.
1 comment:
This is an interesting example of 'Second Empire' style. CLN's rule over France (c1848-1870) was a time of extravagance and 'boom time', so taste in that period developed accordingly. Because Paris was 'fashion capital of the world' (even then), the 'Second Empire' style spread to England and other countries quite rapidly.
In 'Second Empire' style, there are hints of the neoclassical First Empire Style (c1800-1814). That drew on earlier neoclassical traditions, but included its own original elements such as motifs drawn from Egyptian artifacts. One of Napoleon I's (r.1804-1814) personal motifs was a gold bee, which appears to have been inspired by designs he saw in Egypt. But it also was a metaphore for his devotion to empire and the welfare of its people - a commitment to public good that CLN of the 'Second Empire' sadly lacked.
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