A bronze and gilt-bronze 'retour d'Égypte' mantel clock Empire, early 19th century

Estimate

7,000 - 10,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

52cm. high; 1ft, 8½in.

with a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, contained within a case in the form of an unveiled casket, held by Isis, on a demi-lune rouge griotte marble base on bun feet

Catalogue Note

Comparative Literature:
H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p.336, fig. 5.3.2.

There is a design for a clock of exactly this model but flanked by pilasters with hieroglyphics and surmounted by canopic bulls' heads designed by Thomas Hope, illustrated in his Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, p. 13. Hope's clock at his residence in Duchess Street was probably made in Paris and a model stamped by the celebrated bronzier André-Antoine Ravrio 1759-1814, is illustrated by H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, op. cit p.336, fig. 5.3.2. There is another example of this model in Brighton Pavilion in the Ante Room of the King’s appartments.