Clock; France, second half of the 19th century.

Clock; France, second half of the nineteenth century.
Gilded bronze and white marble.
It has silk thread suspension.
Preserves pendulum and key.
Presents faults.
Signed Vicenti (machinery) and Maniere a Paris (dial).
Measurements. 35,5 x 32 x 13 cm.
This table clock has a base in white marble ornamented with floral reliefs, on which rests the clock itself, with the dial in hand-painted enamel and Arabic numerals. The structure rests on six small button-like legs. Resting on this clock is a beautiful sculptural group, featuring two young women standing on the dial. Their gestures, together with the presence of grapes and cups, invite us to think of the representation of vacancies, a theme that was very popular at the time. The decorativeness of the piece is enhanced by the beautiful work of the mercury-gilded bronze, as well as by the floral forms and the lacerations that complete the composition. Formally, the figuration is directly inspired by ancient classical art, a constant reference in the arts of this period.
The bronze table clocks of the 19th century were key pieces in decoration and interior design, as well as symbols of social status and refinement. Elaborately crafted and often adorned with artistic motifs, these clocks not only served to measure time, but also reflected the technical advances and taste for fine craftsmanship of the period. Bronze, a durable and aesthetically appreciated material, allowed the creation of complex and elegant forms, integrating styles such as neoclassical or rococo, which made them highly valued objects in the residences of high society.