Object Description
Antique patinated bronze and onyx mantel clock by Mercié and Barbedienne
French, Late 19th Century
Height 113cm, width 58cm, depth 40cm
Two renowned French makers, Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) and Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892), are responsible for the creation of this superb late 19th century mantel clock.
The patinated bronze sculpture surmounting the onyx clock is titled ‘Gloria Victis’. Design in 1874 by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié, it depicts the allegorical female figure of Fame, caringly carrying a fallen soldier. Fame is dressed in loosely fit textiles with brightly shining gold shoulder armour while the soldier is depicted nude with a lifeless expression. Raising one hand towards the heaves and holding a broken sword with the other, the soldier symbolises the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. The caring nature of Fame was meant to reassure the French public that even those fallen were taken care of.
The bronze sculpture was cast in the renowned foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne. Superbly cast, the piece portrays intricate details such as the texture of the textiles. The piece is titled on the base ‘GLORIA VICTIS’ and signed ‘A. Mercié’, ‘F. Barbedienne, Fondeur. Paris’. It also features a reduction stamp for ‘A. Collas’ and inventory number ‘233’.
The clock below the sculpture is beautifully carved from onyx. The naturally occurring cream and brown veining add to the overall look of the piece. The onyx features beautiful ormolu detailing. The clock is surrounded by a shining ormolu frame and the whole piece stands on four lion paw shaped ormolu feet. The circular dial of the clock is signed ‘F. Barbedienne / Paris’ and the movement is signed ‘J.E. Dupont / Paris’.
Made by some of the most important French makers of the 19th century, this mantel clock is an outstanding piece of antique French decorative art.