Clock, with seated female figure of Contemplation, designed by Carrier-Belleuse, 1860s

Clock comprising female figure of 'Contemplation' in imitation bronze seated on a clock mounted in black marble.

CASE: Marble and imitation bronze with draped female figure representing 'Contemplation'

DIAL: 12 cm diameter with recessed centre
Black enamel chapter ring 2.2 cm broad, with set of applied gilt-metal Roman numerals for the hours.
The recessed portion is 7.6 cm diamter with black enamel back, signed in gilt in lower portion:-

EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE BOY, RANVIER & CIE, 116 Rue de Turenne PARIS FT A PARIS 1867

The winding holes are surrounded by raised rings inside IIII and VIII. Plain gilt hands.
In the upper part of the recessed area a visible Brocot escapement, the cock consisting of a pair of curved gilt arms meeting at the centre. Escape wheel of 33T, the pallets spanning 12T. Jewelled pallets, mounted in a pair of curved arms with pointed ends.

MOVEMENT: Movement plates 10.2 cm diameter. Two going barrels. Regulator of Brocot type but pendulum missing.
Locking-plate, striking train, with outside count-wheel permitting also a single stroke at the half-hours. Bell mounted outside the backplate.

The seated female figure represents Contemplation

Bought at the Paris International Exhibition, 1867, for £18-0s-0d from Messrs Boy as an example of cheapness of manufacture. Designed by M.A.Carrier later known as Carrier-Belleuse.

According to the Art Inventory of objects acquired by the V&A in 1867, this clock, made of "imitation bronze", was designed by "A.Carrier" (Albert Carrier-Belleuse) and bought by the V&A from the Paris Exhibiton of 1867 "as an example of cheapness of manufacture".

763:1, 2-1869