Object Description
A magnificent 19th Century bronze mantel clock depicting allegorical figures representing Geography and literature. The white enamel clock face, Roman numerals, an eight day duration movement, striking on the hour and half hour. Riased on a green mable base with wonderful gilded ormolu mounts.
Signed; Victor Paillard ft. de Bronzes. A Paris.
After passing through the Free Royal School of Drawing and training as an engraver, he was a pupil of Jean-François Denière and collaborator of Ferdinand Barbedienne. Quickly recognized as one of the best foundry bronzers of his time, around 1830 he created a house of works of art and furnishings which would employ up to a hundred people in the middle of the 19th century. He received many official commissions, notably when decorating the hotel of the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.