Object Description
Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux
French, c. 1870
Clock: Height 80cm, width 40cm, depth 33cm
Candelabra: Height 82cm, width 40cm, depth 40cm
This fine three-piece set includes a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra. The pieces are crafted from bronze—both gilt and patinated—and rich griotte marble. The clock features a griotte marble truncated column shaped base, which is adorned with gilt bronze mounts, such as a low relief plaque and beading. The front of the case is inset with a dial within a gilt bronze bezel and beneath glass. Strikingly, the clock case is surmounted by a large and impressive patinated bronze sculptural group after an original by Clodion, which depicts two nymphs carousing with musical instruments and bunches of grapes.
The candelabra are similarly decorated, each with a conforming marble base. The stem of each candelabrum is modelled as two patinated bronze figures holding aloft the candelabrum head, which issues seven gilt bronze branches: six scrolling branches and one central one.
The clock dial is signed ‘Jules Graux, bronzes d’Art à Paris’ and ‘Clodion’, while the movement is stamped ‘Medaille d’Argent, Vincenti & Cie, 1855’.