Louis XVI period mantel clock “Abundantia” - circa 1790

A remarkable large marble and gilt bronze Louis XVI mantel clock, titled “Abundantia”, a Parisian creation from the late Louis XVI period, circa 1790. An identical clock is held in the collections of the Château de Malmaison, having originally been located in the bedroom of Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, son of Joséphine de Beauharnais and stepson of Napoleon Bonaparte.


This clock is based directly on a preparatory drawing dating from circa 1780, preserved in the Cabinet des Estampes of the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris (see image). The style of the drawing recalls the work of François Rémond (c. 1747–1812), who designed an andiron for the Princess of Lamballe, confidante of Queen Marie Antoinette. François Rémond was among the most significant Parisian chaser-gilders of the late 18th century. His exceptional skill attracted an affluent clientele, including members of the royal court. The superb chiselling and the depth of the mercury gilding on this clock are consistent with the finest works of a renowned craftsman like François Remond.


Our clock is exceptionally rare; as far as is known, only one other identical example exists, located in the Château de Malmaison. A smaller and more common variation, known as “à la bacchante,” was also derived from this design. In that version, the palanquin is carried by putti riding ibexes, with Abundantia replaced by a bacchante figure. The “à la bacchante” version was particularly popular during the final years of Louis XVI’s reign. By contrast, our clock represents a grander, more elaborate design, with spaniels symbolising loyalty.


The white marble base, supported by six chased feet, is adorned with two Medusa masks framed against a textured background and a frieze depicting putti playing among clouds. The clock is supported by two dogs standing against marble spheres, ridden by putti who carry a draped palanquin on their shoulders. The palanquin, flanked by eagle heads, houses the enamelled dial. Two eagles hold garlands of flowers and leaves in their beaks, their curved extremities resting on the shoulders of two winged putti astride the dogs. The dogs’ front paws rest on white marble spheres set upon stylised mounds draped with garlands of oak leaves and acorns.


The clock is crowned by Abundantia, the Roman goddess of abundance and prosperity. She is depicted seated on the clock case in classical drapery, holding an oak leaf wreath in her right hand and, in her left, a palm and a fluted cornucopia overflowing with flowers and fruits.


The round enamel dial displays the hours in Arabic numerals and fifteen-minute intervals using two pierced gilt bronze hands. The date, shown according to the French Republican calendar’s twelve 30-day months, is indicated along the outer edge of the dial by a blued steel hand. The sun mask pendulum is partially obscured by a fringed drapery beneath the dial.


This clock is in excellent condition, with the mercury gilding impeccably preserved. The clockwork is fully functional, having been recently serviced by a professional clockmaker.


Origin: Paris, late Louis XVI period, circa 1790.

Dimensions: Height: 55 cm (21.7?), Width: 49.5 cm (19.5?), Depth: 14 cm (5.5?).


Literature
- Hans Ottomeyer & Peter Pröschel, “Vergoldete Bronzen, Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus”, München 1986, p. 280 fig. 4.13.3, p.281. p.279 fig. 4.12.3.
- Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, 1997, p. 205 fig.193.