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Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805

$18,054.58
$22,569.4120% Off
£13,230.99
£16,539.6120% Off
€15,136VAT Included
€18,92120% Off
CA$24,855.19
CA$31,070.6320% Off
A$25,282.98
A$31,605.3920% Off
CHF 14,436.94
CHF 18,047.1320% Off
MX$305,811.54
MX$382,284.6220% Off
NOK 168,342.34
NOK 210,439.0520% Off
SEK 170,921.67
SEK 213,663.3820% Off
DKK 115,415.75
DKK 144,277.3120% Off

About the Item

An exceptional and highly collectible French Empire mantel clock attributed to the celebrated Parisian bronzier Claude Galle, dating to circa 1805. Executed in richly gilded and dark-patinated bronze above a substantial dark green marble base, this elaborate timepiece embodies the symbolism, refinement, and monumental character of Napoleonic-era decorative arts. The sculptural composition features an elegant classical female figure holding a wreath aloft while drawing a finely modeled drapery across the hours displayed within the clock’s unusual rotating dial. The architectural clock case is framed with laurel branches and enriched with finely cast Empire-style ornaments, including garlands, ribbons, palmettes, and allegorical emblems. The marble base is decorated with two gilt bronze female figures representing Liberty. They hold a flowing band reportedly inscribed “L’Oubli du Temps,” translated as “The Forgetting of Time,” creating a poetic allegory relating time, liberty, and memory. The clock is fitted with a time-and-strike movement and balance escapement mechanism. This important model is referenced in Tardy’s authoritative publication, La Pendule Française, 2e Partie: Du Louis XVI à nos jours, published in 1949. It is also associated with a design produced by Claude Galle for the 1807 Exhibition. Claude Galle was among the most distinguished French bronze makers of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods, supplying finely crafted objects to leading European patrons and the French Imperial court. His works are admired for their exceptional casting, refined chasing, and powerful allegorical compositions. A majestic museum-quality statement piece, perfectly suited to an important mantel, library, grand salon, or distinguished collection of French Empire furniture and decorative arts. Please note that the attribution, exhibition history, inscription, and bibliographical reference should be supported by the available documentation. Colors may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions and the screen on which the photographs are viewed.
  • Creator:
    Claude Galle (Clockmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.28 in (51.5 cm)Width: 12.8 in (32.5 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
  • Style:
    Empire (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Enamel,Marble,Metal,Ormolu
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1805
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Mechanism complete and working. Clock recently reviewed. Small golden mark on the black base, located beneath the figure’s left foot. Minor and superficial, does not detract from the overall aesthetic or integrity of the piece.
  • Seller Location:
    Lisbon, PT
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 10491stDibs: LU9157250974932

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