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Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere

$13,893.28
£10,283.40
€11,800VAT Included
CA$19,355.26
A$19,686.13
CHF 11,256.86
MX$238,119.87
NOK 131,892.85
SEK 131,861.18
DKK 89,975.95

About the Item

Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-François Denière (1774–1866), one of the most significant Parisian bronze artists of the 19th century. His workshop was renowned for the exceptional quality of its bronzes, both in terms of the fineness of the chasing and the richness and depth of the gilding, making this clock one of the finest examples of Parisian clockmaking and bronze artistry. Jean-François Denière’s work is first mentioned in the late 18th century, when he was working with François-Thomas Matelin at 58 Rue de Turenne. During the Empire and after the Bourbons’ return to the throne, Denière received a large number of significant commissions, even from royal circles. His works were extremely popular, and he was awarded at least one gold medal. During the July Monarchy, Denière’s workshop was the largest and most important in all of Paris—in 1839, he employed over 400 workers. Like Thomire, Denière is regarded as one of the finest bronze artists of his time. Jean-François Denière is known primarily for his bronze works; he supplied clocks and candelabras for palaces such as Versailles and the Grand Trianon. A clock depicting the Aurora, showing a celestial chariot drawn by winged cupids, upon which the Virgin—embodying the first light of dawn—travels across the sky. She is characterized by the star she wears on her forehead as the embodiment of the Morning Star, as well as the torch she holds in her hand, the first light on the horizon after night gives way to day. The chariot is carried by a cloud; the depiction is extremely dynamic and fluid in form, with ribbons and bows fluttering in the wind, the putto dancing behind the chariot scattering flowers, while the two putti in front of the chariot are busy keeping it on course. On the rectangular pedestal, an oval medallion features another depiction of Aurora, hovering above the sleeping Apollo—half supporting, half still holding back—the first rays of the sun, before he sets off across the sky in his sun chariot. Aurora, who bathes the sky in soft colors shortly before sunrise, was depicted in antiquity as a maiden preceding Apollo’s sun chariot, drawn by cupids or butterflies and surrounded by the Horae, who were portrayed as young girls. This image originates from the Iliad and was revived in the Late Renaissance and Baroque periods, like many other works of classical antiquity. Height 57 cm, width 55 cm, depth 15.5 cm
  • Creator:
    Maison Deniere (Clockmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.45 in (57 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 6.11 in (15.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Empire (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Enamel,Gilt
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    Early 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Münster, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9172249818242

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