FRANÇOIS LINKE (1855 - 1946)A FRENCH GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED CARVED CARRARA MARBLE AND POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMEL MANTLE CLOCK, PARIS, CIRCA 1900 |

index n° 33, bleu turquin marble base, the figure inscribed 'D. Clodion'

Originally part of Linke's personal collection, sold to the subsequent owner by Linke's grandson, Gaston Pierquet A Private Collection, vol. 2, Sotheby's, New York, 19 April 2007, lot 202 (sold 15 600$)

C. Payne, François Linke, pp. 352-353 and pp. 384-387 D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIXe siècle, pp. 435-444

C. Payne, 19th Century European Furniture, pp. 39-40

P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française du Moyen Age au XXe siècle, pp. 254

The image is accurate.Very good condition overall. One very tiny hole in the arm (not distracting). The pearl frieze slightly twisted on the rear side (not distracting). Two tiny restorations on corners of the base. We do not guarantee the working order of the clock. Ready to display.
"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."

There is no indication in Linke's price list that a marble version of this clock was available. However, C. Payne (Linke, pp. 352-353) illustrates three other versions: one in terracotta as a maquette, as a base for modeling the finished bronze, a second illustration showing the bronze master pattern, slightly over size, the right leg and left arm detachable to aid the casting process. The final photograph is of the finished clock as described by Linke in his price list where it was offered for a retail prize of 1,200 francs. A further version in cast-iron, originally from Linke's own Archive, exists possibly as a workshop model to be rough handled by the marble sculptor.