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Antique marble, patinated and gilt bronze clock set by Gervais

Creator: Ferdinand Gervais
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
This three-piece set—composed of a clock and a pair of flanking candelabra—is a truly unique and delightful piece of decorative art.

The clock is modelled in the image of an 18th-Century sedan chair – that is, a covered chair sat in by a member of the social elite, which was carried on poles by two people. This chair-shaped clock case is crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu) and decorated with festoons and a flower finial. At its centre, there is a circular white enamel dial, which features Arabic Numbers, colourful swag paintings, and the manufacturer’s name, 'Fd Gervais / Ft du Bronzes / A Paris'. The lower part of the case is glazed, allowing one to see the clock’s sun-burst pendulum. Like a sedan chair, the clock case is carried by two patinated bronze putti, who hold burning torches. These putti serve as link-boys, who would historically light the way for the carriage through the streets of the city. The putti stand on an oval, grey flecked marble base, decorated with gilt bronze mounts, and set on foliate gilt bronze ball feet.

A pair of candelabra flank the central clock. Each candelabrum is composed of five gilt bronze lights, designed to look like bunches of roses. These spring from gilt bronze cornucopias, which are carried by patinated bronze cherubs. The cherubs stand on waisted circular plinths with canted bases, which are mounted with decorative gilt bronze bands and set on foliate gilt bronze bun feet.

Clock- Height 61cm, width 42cm, depth 22cm
Candelabra- Height 63cm, width 25cm, depth 22cm

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	ormolu, gilt bronze, bronze, patinated bronze, marble
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	c. 1870
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Louis XVI, Neoclassical
Dealer Reference #:	15945
Incollect Reference #:	349902

Dimensions

W.	16.54 in;	H.	24.02 in;	D.	8.66 in;
W.	42 cm;	H.	61 cm;	D.	22 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.