Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Europe 1600-1815, Room 1

Clock

ca. 1810 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This clock, in the form of a trophy, is typical of the Empire taste for military themes derived from classical art. The maker is unknown, but the exceptional quality of the casting and finishing is evident in the minuscule detail, the careful contrast in the chasing textures, and the mirror-like burnishing. The English dial and movement are probably later in date than the case which is probably French


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gilt bronze, cast and chased to a very high standard
Brief description
Clock, movement and dial by John Moore & Son; case France, ca. 1810
Physical description
Wall clock, gilt bronze, cast and chased, in the form of a trophy for suspension, the central shield bearing the dial surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, below is an eagle grasping a thunderbolt. Above a two plumed helments surmounted respectively by an eagle and a griffin; behind are fasces, four standards, two short swords and branches of oak and laurel. Casting and finishing of exceptional quality, with minuscule detail, careful contrast in the chasing textures and mirror-like burnishing.
Dimensions
  • Height: 115cm
  • Width: 74cm
  • Depth: 13cm
  • Weight: 38.5kg (Note: Weighed by Roger Murray and Phil James.)
Style
Marks and inscriptions
'John Moore & Son' (On movement and dial)
Gallery label
  • Wall Clock Case about 1810; movement about 1830 Gilded bronze was an important element in fashionable Empire interiors, used for clocks, candelabra and fire ornaments. Clock cases were designed as small-scale sculpture. This case is exceptionally fine. The chasing or chiselling gives life to the surface and creates a contrast between highly burnished areas and others that are matt or textured. (2006-2016)
  • This clock, in the form of a trophy, is typical of the Empire taste for military themes derived from classical art. The maker is unknown, but the exceptional quality of the casting and finishing is evident in the minuscule detail, the careful contrast in the chasing textures, and the mirror-like burnishing. The English dial and movement are probably later in date than the case.(1987-2006)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mr John Willson
Object history
This clock, in the form of a trophy, is typical of the Empire taste for military themes derived from classical art. The maker is unknown, but the exceptional quality of the casting and finishing is evident in the minuscule detail, the careful contrast in the chasing textures, and the mirror-like burnishing. The English dial and movement are probably later in date than the case.
Production
The maker of the case is unknown. The attribution date refers to the case. Movement and dial bear the name of John Moore & Son, Clerkenwell, London (active about 1824 to 1842).
Subjects depicted
Summary
This clock, in the form of a trophy, is typical of the Empire taste for military themes derived from classical art. The maker is unknown, but the exceptional quality of the casting and finishing is evident in the minuscule detail, the careful contrast in the chasing textures, and the mirror-like burnishing. The English dial and movement are probably later in date than the case which is probably French
Collection
Accession number
361-1901

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Record createdMay 23, 2006
Record URL
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