Empire clock “Love makes Time pass” , model by Claude Galle

This exceptional Empire mantel clock, titled “Love Makes Time Pass,” is crafted from gilded and patinated bronze, attributed to the renowned bronzier Claude Galle. Its design is based on a model by Nicolas Gabriel Pailly, known as Pailly Jeune, as documented in Galle’s inventory. The composition is inspired by the popular song “Le Voyage du Temps” by Joseph-Alexandre, Vicomte de Ségur (1756-1805), which recounts the journey of Love and Time. In this tale, Love initially rows the boat, symbolising how love makes time pass, but as the journey continues, Time takes over, declaring, “Ah! Time makes love pass.” This allegory of Love’s triumph over Time was a celebrated motif in Empire clockmaking.


Several casts of this clock exist in prestigious collections, including one in the Patrimonio Nacional at the Pardo Palace, Spain, and another formerly owned by the Marquesses of Londonderry at Mount Stewart House. A version by Galle was also featured in the boudoir of the Duchesse d’Abrantès in 1813, and another belonged to the Duchesse de Reggio, wife of Marshal Oudinot.


This masterpiece presents an allegory of Time, represented by Chronos with his scythe and hourglass, seated in a boat that is rowed by Love, personified by Eros and equipped with bow and quiver. Chronos, deep in contemplation, holds an hourglass on his lap, while Eros rows the boat with two grand oars. The boat’s bow and stern are adorned with swan heads, and a draped cloth hangs gracefully in the middle.


The boat rests on a wave-topped, angle-cut base symbolising the river’s waters. This base is further decorated with tridents, oars, reeds tied in knots, and seashells on either side. The case stands on four lion paw feet, with intricately detailed crocodile heads on either side of the boat’s hull, alongside finely executed seawater waves flowing across the base.


This magnificent Empire clock, crafted from gilt and dark patinated bronze, has been expertly cleaned and remains in excellent preservation, showcasing stunning mercury gilding. The movement, equipped with anchor escapement, wire suspension, and an external count wheel, strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. Recently serviced by a professional clockmaker, the clock is in perfect working order and comes with its pendulum, key, and bell. The backplate is stamped “L R No. 36,” with “No. 36” marked on the case’s lower back.


Origin: Paris, circa 1805-1810

Dimensions: height 46 cm (18.1?), width 54.5 cm (21.5?), depth 16.5 cm (6.5?)


Deeper symbolism
On a symbolic level, this clock reflects the themes of time’s passage and life’s fragility. The river the boat sails upon may represent the Styx, the river of Greek mythology symbolising the soul’s journey to its final destination. The boat’s unstoppable voyage, reflected by the anchor without a rope, conveys the inevitability of life’s course. The swans at the boat’s bow and stern signify transformation, while Chronos’ scythe symbolises the duties of life. His hourglass represents the relentless march of time, and the contemplative old man embodies wisdom and the finality of old age.


Literature
- Pierre Kjellberg, “Encyclopédie de la pendule française” , p.408 #A & B.
- Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, p.215 #400.
- Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet, “Pendules du Mobilier National 1800-1870”, p.49-50.
- Spanish Royal collection, “Catálogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional”, 1987, p. 232.
- Jean-Dominique Augarde, “A Journey Through Clocks – Masterworks of the Parnassia Collection”, Dijon, 2022, Vol. I p.204-205.