Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Onyx & Champlevé Enamel Pedestal Clock, France c.1870

Object Description

A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal Clock.

The movement with a twin-barrelled eight-day anchor escapement with Brocot-type regulation striking on a bell. Stamped ‘VINCENTI & CIE, MEDAILLE D’ARGENT, 1855’, ‘4557’ and ‘77’. The backs of some gilt-bronzes stamped ‘A G’.

The tapering pedestal form ‘onyx du Pakistan’ case with a rectangular moulded top above an integral circular onyx dial, centred by a polychrome champlevé enamel rosette, with applied Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a hinged foliate cast glazed bezel, flanked by champlevé enamel spandrels and leaf cast pendant mounts. The lower pilaster section with a central champlevé enamel mount and apron, with inset angles, raised on a stepped plinth.

France, Circa 1870.

Object History

This opulent pedestal clock exemplifies the Second Empire’s fascination with polychromy and luxurious materials; its eclectic design heavily influenced by the prevalent Orientalist movement. Inspired by the artistic traditions of Islamic art, the style is defined by intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, and vibrant polychrome details reminiscent of Moorish tilework and architecture. French artisans reimagined these motifs using techniques such as champlevé enamel and gilding, seamlessly blending Eastern aesthetics with French elegance. These designs became symbols of exoticism and opulence, celebrated at prestigious exhibitions and widely embraced by the European elite.

Object Details