French│Empire Collection
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A small private Napoleonic collection in Sydney, Australia
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Decorative Arts
Ormolu Clock 'Allegory of Astronomy' - 1805
 Horloge 'Allégorie de l'Astronomie 1805

Empire ormolu clock

Circa 1805

Jean-Simon Deverberie

50 x 41cm

The central axes of this symmetrically composed pendulum clock is formed by the cube containing the clock which is surmounted by the celestial globe sitting on a Doric fluted column. The flanking female figures are employed to keep symmetry. The crossed legs -which is a common pose in antiquity is in a mirror image. Both figures are focused on studies. Two sphinxes seem to carry the dial on their backs. Five putti are busy in the clouds with their astronomical instruments. Their childish clumsiness and carelessness contrasts to the strict order and concentration conveyed by the main figures.

This clock is featured in Elke Niehuser's book 'French Bronze Clocks’ - Schiffer Publishing 1999