Clock thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Clock

1860-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A garniture of a mantel clock and pair of candelabra of white marble and ormolu. The clock dial is placed in an urn flanked by female figures representing Painting and Sculpture. The candelabra consist of urns supported by putti. The combination of white marble and sculptural ornament in ormolu is characteristic of the furnishing bronzes in the neo-classical style produced by this renowned firm of Paris bronziers in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. Supplied by Raingo Frères, Paris, circa 1865.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 8 parts.

  • Clock
  • Candelabrum
  • Candelabrum
  • Candelabrum
  • Candelabrum
  • Movement
  • Pendulum
  • Key
Materials and techniques
White marble, ormolu, steel and brass
Brief description
Mantel clock by Raingo in the form of a fluted urn standing on a pedestal with rounded front flanked by figures representing Painting and Sculpture with a cupid holding a wreath. Each candelabrum consists of an urn supported by two boys standing on a pedestal; from the top of the urn eleven branches in the form of acanthus leaves support candle arms.
Physical description
The clock is in the form of a fluted urn standing on a pedestal with rounded front; a cupid holding a wreath hovers over the upper part of the urn, on one side of which a female figure representing Painting is seated, while on the other another female figure representing Sculpture stands with an Ionic capital and a branch of laurel at her feet. The pedestal rests on enriched knob feet.

The white enamel dial is 15.6 cm diameter, with an outer ring of minutes numbered at intervals of five and a set of Roman numerals in blue representing the hours. The winding-holes are inside IIII and VIII. There is a regulation hole pirecing the numeral 60. The dial is signed RAINGO FRES PARIS. The hands are pierced, engraved and gilt. The chased bezel is 16.6 cm diameter with a domed glass cover.

The movement plates are 11.1 cm diameter, the backplate is stamped in a circular recess 'RAINGO FRERES PARIS' with punched numbers 910 and 46. There are two going barrels; a going train to the right, with internal Brocot escapement, steel pallets, escape wheel of 42T, the pallets spanning 12T. The pendulum measures 13.7 cm overall length with steel rod and brass-covered lead bob 7.6 cm diameter; 1.6 cms thick., bevelled all round, flat at front and back and numbered 910 and 46.
The Brocot regulator has a top pinion stamped 'BROCOT PROPTE'. The striking train of rack type to left gives a single stroke at the half-hours.

There is a brass key for the clock.

Each candelabrum consists of an urn supported by two boys standing on a pedestal rounded in front and behind; from the top of the urn eleven branches for candles spring from a group of acanthus leaves.
Dimensions
  • Clock height: 29in
  • Candelabrum height: 36.05in
  • Width: 23.05in
Content description
The clock features female figures representing Painting and Sculpture
Style
Marks and inscriptions
  • RAINGO FRERES PARIS (Stamped on the backplate in a circular recess)
  • Raingo Fres Paris (Signed on the dial)
  • BROCOT PROPTE (Stamped on the top pinion of the regulator of the clock movement)
Credit line
Given by Sir Edwin Durning Lawrence Bart
Object history
The clock and candelabra were given by Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence Bart in 1901. When acquired by the South Kensington Museum part of the mount of the pedestal was detached and repaired by the museum's Work Room.
Historical context
Created for display on a mantelpiece
Subjects depicted
Summary
A garniture of a mantel clock and pair of candelabra of white marble and ormolu. The clock dial is placed in an urn flanked by female figures representing Painting and Sculpture. The candelabra consist of urns supported by putti. The combination of white marble and sculptural ornament in ormolu is characteristic of the furnishing bronzes in the neo-classical style produced by this renowned firm of Paris bronziers in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. Supplied by Raingo Frères, Paris, circa 1865.
Collection
Accession number
660:1 to 4-1901

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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