6th Sep, 2023 10:00
Fine Interiors
314
An Empire gilt and patinated-bronze mantel clock
An Empire gilt and patinated-bronze mantel clock,
early 19th century, French, by Basile Charles Le Roy, the figural case modelled as 'Inconstance Punished', the dial signed 'Le Roy hre. de Madame', the twin barrel movement with silk suspension and count wheel striking on a bell,
44cm wide
23cm deep
55.5cm high
Provenance: Purchased by Jeremy Knight from Christie's, 'Noble & Private Collections', 14 March 2018 lot 126;
previously with Partridge Gallery, London.
Fine Clocks from the Collection of Jeremy Knight.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Fine Clocks from the Collection of Jeremy Knight
Jeremy Knight, a Bath-based entrepreneur, has built his collection of fine gilt-bronze Empire-period mantel clocks from the early 2000s, owning over two hundred of the rarest models on the market.
Knight’s passion for Empire clocks has developed from a strong interest in the history of the Napoleonic period and, in turn, an appreciation of the quality of workmanship that these clocks demonstrate. This has now been translated into a book on the subject, detailing fifty of his most significant acquisitions.
The French Empire style was an evolution of the neoclassical movement of the 18th century, which took inspiration from the classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome, and to a lesser extent, Egypt. It was adopted by Napoleon as a symbol of his ‘New Empire’ of magnificence for France at the start of the 19th century. The designs and subject matter were grand, symbolic of power and order, and featured the gods, heroes and muses of classical civilizations and mythology.
Napoleon became Emperor of the French in 1804 and remained in power through turbulent times until 1814/15. However, the Empire style began to form much earlier, from around 1790, continuing after the Battle of Waterloo and through the Bourbon Restoration until 1830.
The Empire style in the decorative arts did appear later, but the earliest thirty years are considered to be the finest, when the style was most congruent. This is also due in part to the era coinciding with a peak in the other technical crafts needed to make these clocks, including bronze manufacturing, gilding, sculpting, along with the work of clockmakers who produced extremely fine movements during this period.
It is for these reasons that Jeremy first became interested in Empire clocks, the quality of workmanship they display and the meaning behind their motifs, perhaps becoming more than a little obsessed with collecting the rarest and finest models. We are so pleased that Jeremy has yet again chosen the Fine Interiors department to help disperse some of his treasures to loving new homes.
Sold for £5,000
Condition Report
Overall appears in good structural and cosmetic condition. Minor surface wear to the bronze, with some minor marks and discolouration. Decorative roundels to the top of the case appear replaced. The dial appears in good order. Minor tiny knocks to edges and corners commensurate with age and use. Ticks and strikes when wound, however we are unable to gurantee that this represents full and complete working order and we would always recommend that successful purchasers seek professional advice with regard to servicing after sale. Key lacking. Pendulum possibly associated. Please see additional photos.
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Auction: Fine Interiors, 6th Sep, 2023
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Thursday 10 - Tuesday 29 August at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday, 1pm - 5pm
Sunday - Closed
Monday 28 August - closed for the bank holiday
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 1 September, 10am - 5pm
Saturday 2 September, 10am - 2pm
Sunday 3 September, 10am - 2pm
Monday 4 September, 10am - 5pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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