Mantel Clock

Maker Japy Freres & Cie (French, founded 1807)

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1785 and later

Mediumgilt and blued bronze, marble, enamel, glass, brass

Dimensions24 3/4 x 16 x 9 1/8 in. (62.9 x 40.6 x 23.2 cm.)

DescriptionThe clock is set in a barrel-shaped case flanked on either side by standing putti. Above the clock, there is a vase decorated with swags of grapevines, a revolving enamel band with paintings of female divinities and putti, and a seated putto on the top. The standing putti hold attributes of the 'arts,' in contrast with the putti on the related clock in the Wallace Collection, which hold emblems of astronomy. The putto on the left carrie a paint brush and stands with a foot on a sculpted female head, a scroll, and a mallet. The right putto holds a sheet of paper with calipers at his feet. Putti playing decorate the plaque at the base of the clock. The clockworks are modern replacements stamped 'Japy Freres et Cir 173.3.11.'

SignedMovement stamped: JAPY FRERES & Cie/Gde MED. Dhonneur. 173 3.11 Duveen label: C3810

MarkingsMovement stamped: JAPY FRERES & Cie/Gde MED. Dhonneur. 173 3.11 Duveen label: C3810

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextThis clock closely resembles one described in a 1785 inventory of Queen Marie-Antoinette’s chateau at St. Cloud. Though the connection is unconfirmed, the possible royal provenance would have been appealing to Henry Huntington as he formed a collection to memorialize his late wife, Arabella.

Status

On view

Object number27.182