A Restauration Period Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Deniere
$44,500.00
- A Restauration Period Paris Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Jean François Denière, circa 1820 to 1830
- A refined and architecturally composed Restauration period mantel clock, richly mounted in finely chased ormolu and set with exceptional hand painted Paris porcelain plaques. The stepped body is framed by molded cornices and classical pilasters, each inset with vibrant porcelain panels depicting festoons, flower filled vases, fruiting vines, tropical birds, and acanthus. A matching porcelain plaque to the pendulum is beautifully decorated with a lyre encircled by a laurel wreath, underscoring the musical theme favored in elite interiors of the period. The back of the proper left column abacus is engraved D 121.6.50, and the bezel surrounding the movement is engraved 414652.
- This clock belongs to the distinguished circle of Jean François Denière, one of the most celebrated bronziers of the early nineteenth century. A closely related three piece porcelain mounted garniture attributed to Denière, featuring a central clock of nearly identical form, was sold at Christie’s New York on 21 November 2008, lot 139.
- Jean François Deninger, known as Denière, stood at the forefront of French luxury production during the Empire and Restauration eras. After his appointment as Envoy in Constantinople in the mid seventeen nineties, he joined François Mathelin to establish one of the largest and most successful ateliers in Paris. Their workshop employed more than two hundred artisans during the Empire, a number that doubled under Louis Philippe. Denière counted among his patrons the duchesse de Berry, Louis Philippe, Tsar Alexander the Second, William the Second of Holland, Ferdinand the Seventh of Spain, the Duke of Hamilton, and many other international heads of state. His bronzes were supplied for the redecoration of the White House in Washington in the years 1817-1818, for the cradle of the duc de Bordeaux in 1820, and for the coronation coach of Charles X in 1825.
- Alongside Pierre Philippe Thomire, Denière helped define the goût Égyptien that flourished under the guidance of Baron Vivant Denon. His atelier not only produced its own models but also acquired the master models of earlier celebrated bronziers, securing his position as one of the principal tastemakers of the age.
- Highly decorative, museum worthy, and firmly rooted in the finest Parisian craftsmanship of the Restauration period, this mantel clock represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors of French ormolu, porcelain mounted objects, and early nineteenth century decorative arts.
- Similar clocks like this are in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, including the Frick Collection and the Royal Collection Trust.
- 21.5″ high x 12″ wide x 6″ deep
- Very good condition with no damages. All original parts. Clock is not running.
- Period: Early 19th Century
- Origin: France
- Style: Restauration (Of the Period)
- Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)
- Attributed to:Maison Deniere (Maker)
- Date of Manufacture: C.1820
- Materials and Techniques: Bronze,Ormolu,Porcelain
