Empire clock “Allegory of Arts and Sciences” with Apollo - Circa 1806

This museum quality French gilt bronze Empire mantel clock is an exceptionally detailed representation of Apollo, depicted with attributes symbolising the Arts and the Sciences. A clock of this same model was delivered by master clockmakers Lepaute, uncle and nephew, on 23 August 1806 for the salon of Madame Mère, Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother, at the Château de Fontainebleau. Another example of this model is part of the Spanish Royal Collection.


The composition of this striking clock is arranged in three distinct layers. The uppermost tier features Apollo seated atop the drum case, elegantly draped in a flowing robe draped over his shoulders and legs, holding a lyre in one hand. Below, on the second tier, Apollo is flanked by a beautifully sculpted harp to his left and a blue celestial sphere mounted on a stand to his right which is carried by birds. Musical attributes, including a lute and music books, accompany him, complemented by a quiver of arrows. At the centre, just beneath the clock drum, a finely sculpted bas-relief of remarkable depth and detail portrays Apollo triumphing over a winged dragon.


The third and lowest tier is formed by a shaped plinth case, adorned with another exquisite bas-relief at its centre. This scene depicts a woman engaged in painting, accompanied by two putti holding books and symbols representing science and philosophy. The case is further enriched with applied decorations, including tripods supporting flaming urns and delicate floral motifs. The clock rests upon six elaborately cast and chiselled feet, each adorned with lyres and intricate floral ornamentation.


The clock’s white enamel dial, featuring Roman numerals and Arabic quarter-hour markers, is signed “à Paris” and boasts beautifully openworked gilt bronze hands.


This magnificent Empire clock, expertly cleaned and preserved, retains its exceptional mercury gilding. Its movement, equipped with an anchor escapement, wire suspension, and an external count wheel, strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. The clock is in perfect working order and is accompanied by its pendulum, bell, and key.


Origin: Paris, circa 1806.

Dimensions: Height 57 cm (22.4?), Width 43 cm (16.9?), Depth 15 cm (5.9?).


Literature
- Collection of Château de Fontainebleau, delivered in 1806, apartment no. 8, Cour des Princes.
- Jean-Pierre Samoyault, “Pendules et bronzes d’ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire”, 1989, p. 52.
- Spanish Royal collection, “Catálogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional”, 1987, p. 261.
- Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, p. 219 #483.