“Cage” Clock
Guillaume Denière · Signed
France, Circa 1860
A grand antique Napoleon III period chiseled and gilt bronze cage clock in the Louis XVI style, signed by the Parisian bronzier Guillaume Denière and crafted circa 1860. Standing 87 cm high, it is among the most spectacular models by Maison Denière, purveyor to the imperial court and prominent families of the Second Empire. The rectangular case, bordered with water-leaf and bead friezes, is fully glazed to reveal the movement. Its sides are adorned with tasseled draperies and ribbon-tied foliage. The white enameled dial, featuring Arabic numerals, is encircled by floral garlands. At the summit, a cassolette urn flanked by two griffins holding a vine-leaf garland in their beaks crowns the composition, while the pendulum takes the form of a radiant Apollo mask. Flanking the case, two uprights sculpted with acanthus volutes, vines, and cornucopias frame the clock, supported below by a winged sphinx. The ensemble rests upon a molded plinth with a Vitruvian scroll frieze, terminating in cornucopia feet. This model possesses a remarkable history. In 1903, after nearly a century of activity, Maison Denière closed its doors and dispersed its stock across six auction sales, granting buyers reproduction rights to its models. Described as a “pendule à cage,” this composition was acquired by the renowned ébéniste François Linke, who made it one of his signature triumphs.
34 500 €
- Artist / Maker
- Guillaume Denière · Signed
- Circa
- 1860
- Origin
- France
Dimensions
- Height : 34.3 in(87 cm)
- Width : 22.8 in(58 cm)
- Depth : 9.4 in(24 cm)
Technique / Materials
- Gilt bronze
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