Offered by GSLR Antiques
Empire period Ormolu Clock "the Liseuse" after a model of Jean-André REICHE (1752-1817). bronzes attributed to Claude Galle. (The close collaboration between Reiche and Galle is attested in the archives.) Dial signed of Grand Girard. Movement with complications ringing hours, half-hours and quarters of hours. Wire suspension. France, circa 1810.
This pendulum called "la liseuse" shows a young woman sitting at a luxurious desk reading books. A whole symbolism of learning appears here : the youth of the young woman, fully disposed to acquire new knowledge when the oil lamp is a figure of light and prudence. The circular dial takes place in the center of the table.
This pendulum model has its source in a drawing of Jean-André Reiche published in 1806. It was a considerable success because it holds perfectly the great aesthetic canons of the Empire, borrow rigor, wisdom and measurement. The staging, the precision and care in finishes is amazing.
An identical clock signed Bailly was delivered in 1806 to Fontainebleau Palace. (clocks and bronzes entered [at Fontainebleau] under the first Empire Jean Pierre Samoyault, figure 15 page 58). Given the success of this model, variants were made. This type of pendulum is also represented in the reference book Encyclopedia of the French clocks by Pierre KJELLBERG, Editions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1997, p. 398.
Our clock, in addition to its complication movement, is an extremely rare variant where the lady is on the right instead of being on the left as the usual model.
Very good condition, superb gilding mercury matte and shiny very fresh without any wear Marble intact. two small rosettes on the base of the oil lamp are missing (2 present on the 4) Movement revised by our watchmaker The clock works and sounds the hours, quarters and half.The alamr clock function requires the replacement of a wheel.
Height 33cm
Length 29cm
Depth 14cm
