Fine early 19th Century French Oath of the Horatii Mantel Clock

Fine early 19th Century classic late Empire / Restauration period gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock, based on the Jacques-Louis David revolutionary painting of the ‘Oath of the Horatii' painted in 1784. This design was very popular throughout the early 19th century in France and beyond - often gracing palaces across Europe. The painting and therefore by association the clock, extols the idea of personal sacrifice for the good of country, state or Republic. Eight day silk suspension movement, porcelain and bronze face signed ‘Rouchouse a Bordeaux’. Rouchouse is recorded in 'Dictionnaire de Horlogers Français' by Tardy as working in Bordeaux in 1820.

See: Elke Niehueser ‘French Bronze Clocks’ P70 for an identical version of this clock and Pierre Kjelberg ‘Encyclopedia of the French Clock’ p411

SOLD