Raoul François Larche French, 1860 - 1912 "Allégorie du Temps", a rare pendule à cercle tournant cast by Siot-Decauville, Paris, circa 1905

signed RAOUL LARCHE and with Siot-Decauville foundry stamp

The bronze is overall good condition with original gilt, clean with some minor rubbing.The clock does not function and the movement is missing elements.
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.

François-Raoul Larche (1860-1912),  attended the École Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris, where he studied under Jouffroy, Delaplanche, Falguière and Gérôme. He made is salon debut in 1884 exhibited there until his death. He received several public commissions, was awarded a gold medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle and a Medal of Honour in 1910.  Amongst Larche's most recognized works are his series of swirling sculptures of the inspirational American dancer Loïe Fuller, offered for sale as lamps at his gold medal-winning stand at the 1900 Paris Exposition. These, as with almost of all of Larche's bronzes - including sculptures, desk accessories, vide-poche, lamps and vases - were cast and edited by the Parisian foundry Siot-Decauville. The Siot trade catalogue of 1900 does not include this clock amongst the numerous otherworks by Larche, and it was not amongst the several pieces he exhibited at the 1900 Exposition. However, a later Siot trade catalogue from circa 1905 lists the clock available in three sizes, at a cost of 2700 to 7000 Francs. The triumphant depiction of Aurora with her sweeping cloak above the maelstrom of infants below, can be compared to another clock by Larche, one of his public works, that was carved at the corner of rue de Bellechasse and rue de Grenelle, Paris, shortly before his accidental death by car in 1912.