Pamono French Ormolu Mantel Clock, L’Angelot Endormi, Reiche, Paris, 1820> Clocks

Excellent mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a tall oval, smooth, fluted stepped gilded base, recessed body made of patinated bronze with closely spaced folds, into which the domed dial is set, framed by a gilded border decorated with fine motifs. The patinated, pleated body is framed and constricted in the middle by strong golden cords, crowned by a sleeping Cupid holding his bow, bedded on vine leaves and grapes, with two spherical consoles with movable rings on the sides. The white enamel dial is painted with black Roman hour numerals, minute divisions with Arabic numerals, inscribed ‘Simon à Paris’, French 7-day movement, smooth pendulum on thread suspension with half-hour and hour striking on bell. Movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present. Pendulum clock from the Restoration period around 1820, based on a model by Jean-André REICHE (1752-1817): Jean-André Reiche (originally: Reich) was one of the most important Parisian bronze casters of the Empire period. He was originally from Leipzig and settled in Paris during the reign of Louis XVI, where he was appointed master caster in June 1785. His workshop moved to Rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth, and his reputation grew immediately. Initially known as a bronze caster and marble specialist, he was listed during the Empire as a ‘marchand-fabricant de bronzes’ (dealer and manufacturer of bronzes). He died on March 18, 1817, leaving his business to his son Jean Reiche, who successfully continued it during the Restoration period. This clock is listed on page 193 of the Tardy, the second part of the French clock directory. A similar clock can be found in the Château de Fontainebleau Dumonthier. As early as the second half of the 18th century, the fireplace had become established as a place to set up clocks – initially in the castles of France. Special clocks with a monumental character were developed for this location, which was very important in terms of the room’s effect. The visualisation of the technical construction of the clockwork took a back seat. The clock had become an occasion for a small sculpture at eye level. The themes changed. Before the French Revolution, the theme was time itself: dawn, evening, youth, mortality. The Napoleonic era needed heroes, gods, brave and loyal citizens. In the second decade of the 19th century, the themes became less controversial – depictions of festivities, lovers and goddesses of fertility increased. Made in Paris, France, around 1820 Fire-gilded and patinated bronze Dimensions: Height: 34,0 cm / 13.38 in Width: 24,0 cm / 9.44 in Depth: 15,0 cm / 5.90 in Weight: 6.620 Grams / 233.02 oz / 212.86 troy oz Condition: Very well maintained overall condition, movement checked by master clockmaker, completely cleaned and fully functional, key present.