Object Description
This clock set is a remarkable antique, which is not only a brilliant piece of technical design—serving as a fully-functioning timepiece—but is also an exceptional work of sculpture.
The set is comprised of a mantel clock and a pair of flanking candelabra. The clock features a patinated bronze sculpture of a full-length, seated nude cherub, holding a clock case. The cherub grasps a gilt bronze (ormolu) ribbon tied to the drum case in his right hand, and holds a drumstick poised in his left. The case contains a circular white enamel dial with black Roman and Arabic Numerals, and the retailer’s signature ‘Guibal/ A Paris’. The dial is contained behind a glass lens, within a gilt bronze guilloche-patterned bezel. The cherub sits on a gilt bronze cable fluted column base, which is draped with flower trails. This is set on a square veined red marble plinth which is mounted with gilt bronze beading and square rosettes. The plinth stands on four gilt bronze beaded toupie feet.
The pair of candelabra are designed in a similar style to the clock. In place of the cherub, they feature patinated bronze full-length, semi-nude standing figures of a faun (half-putto, half-goat) and a putto. Each figure holds three gilt bronze candle-holders which are decorated with leaves and berries.
Clock- Height 60cm, width 28cm, depth 28cm
Candelabra- Height 51cm, width 24cm, depth 18cm