Rare pendule "les arts et les sciences" en biscuit de Sèvres et acajou d'époque Louis XVI, les figures d'après Boizot, le cadran signé Bréant à Paris

le cadran et le mécanisme inscrits dans une borne en acajou décorée de godrons, surmontée d'un groupe en biscuit figurant la sculpture ; de chaque côté de la borne une figure de l'étude et de la philosophie d'après Boizot ; l'ensemble reposant sur une base rectangulaire ornée de médaillons en porcelaine de Sèvres ; ornementation de bronze doré 



dial and mechanism set in a gadrooned mahogany "milestone" topped by a biscuit group evoking Sculpture, flanked by the figures of Study and Philosophy, after Boizot; rectangular base with porcelain medallions; ormolu mounts 



 

The illustration is accurate. Overall good condition with very small dirt traces to the biscuit. The top biscuit is very rare. Unusual and very attractive model. To recommend.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jaen-Nicolas-Michel Bréant, horloger reçu maître en 1778

Cette pendule est directement inspirée du modèle de pendule  L'Etude et La Philosophie ou les Arts et les Sciences de Sotiau dont un dessin est conservé dans les collections royales anglaises. Les figures de L'Etude et de La Philosophie ont été modelées par le sculpteur Boizot et le modèle largement décliné en bronze, patiné ou doré, en marbre blanc et comme ici en biscuit.

Dans ce cas précis, l'acajou et le biscuit se substituent au marbre et au bronze pour accentuer l'élément plastique et le contraste entre les matières. La présence des médaillons imitant le Wedgwood témoigne également d'une influence anglaise bien présente sur cette rare pendule. 

Jaen-Nicolas-Michel Bréant, qualified as a clockmaker in 1778

This clock is directly inspired by Sotiau's clock Study & Philosophy or The Arts & Sciences, of which a version belongs to the Queen's Collection. The figures of Study and Philosophy were modelled by the sculptor Boizot, and produced in patinated or gilded bronze, in white marble or, as here, in biscuit. The use of mahogany and biscuit rather than marble and bronze emphasizes the clock's plasticity and material contrast, while the use of Wedgwood medallions betrays a strong English influence.