Object Description
Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetrical bodies composed of a pointed top and bottom and two flicking sides, enclosing a central enamel dial.
The top of the pieces are formed of an architectural, fluted, capital-like feature, which is overgrown with flowers. Each piece has two shoulders, which are composed of flowers and foliage, which flick upwards at the ends. The enamel dial of each piece is located in a central position, directly between these two sides. Both Roman and Arabic Numerals are inscribed on the clock face, depicting the hours and minutes respectively, while the barometer is illustrated with weather conditions and numbers. Vines extend down from the sides of each piece then curl back on themselves, looping over and terminating in leafy forms. Behind these undulating forms, the bodies are pierced with quatrefoil profiles.
The face of the barometer is inscribed with the name and address of its French maker, Airoldi, whilst the reverse of the clock is stamped with marks for Charpentier, the firm responsible for making the bronze cases for both the clock and barometer. Charpentier & Compagnie were famous bronze manufacturers, based at 8, rue Charlot in Paris; the company exhibited a range of decorative art objects, including mantel clocks, vases and torchères at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878.