Lot 116

A late Louis XVI ormolu and white marble mantel clock circa 1790, the Revolutionary enamel dial by Dubuisson circa 1795

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Etienne Gobin, known as Dubuisson (d. circa 1822), watch and clock enameller, worked at Chantilly and Sèvres as a flower painter. He is recorded in the Rue de la Huchette in the 1790s before moving to Rue de la Calandre around 1812. Along with Coteau, Dubuisson was responsible for the finest enamelled decoration on clock dials in the latter part of the 18th century.
height 21 in.; width 15 in.; depth 6 1/4 in.
53 cm; 38 cm; 16 cm

the circular enameled Revolutionary dial with Arabic numerals, and inscribed Dubuis, within a drum-shaped case surrounded by clouds and winged putti holding flower garlands above a platform supported by fluted columnar standars and two sirens on a shaped ormolu-mounted white marble base raised on toupie feet. Formerly with a base section with musical movement.

Condition

Minor marks and traces of verdigris consistent with age. Minor casting flaws and pitting. Minor chips to the marble.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This clock is executed in Louis XVI style and dates towards the end of the ancien régime. The enamel dial would have been changed c. 1795 in order to bring the clock up to date to reflect the newly introduced Revolutionary calendar.

A pair of almost identical ormolu sirens flank a green porphyry vase in the Louvre, D. Alcouffe, A. Dion-Tennenbaum, G. Mabille, Gilt Bronzes in the Louvre, Dijon, 2004, no. 71, p. 148. They are also found on Louis XVI furniture, e.g. a commode en console made by René Dubois circa 1765, now in the Wallace Collection (illustrated, P. Hughes, The Wallace Collection, Catalogue of Furniture, London, 1996, Vol. I, no. 75, pp. 306-310), and on a writing table, no. 80 in the Wallace Collection, illustrated, op. cit. p. 326-327.

An identical example was in the collection of the 6th Earl of Rosebery, sold, Sotheby's at Mentmore, May 18-20, 1977, lot 474. The sirens and the platform which they support, as well as the base on which they rest are identical to those on a clock surmounted by an interpretation of Le Baiser donné by Houdon. See, J.-D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, London, 1997. This in turn relates to an example in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg.