Clock
ca. 1860 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This type of large, elaborate clock was intended to make a grand statement on a drawing room mantelpiece or sideboard. The sculptural elements were a popular feature of clocks of the period.
Time
The gilt-bronze figure of a mounted North African warrior, the military trophies and the palm leaves that ornament the clock reflect the French colonial ambitions of the period. North Africa held a particular allure and writers such as Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) used the area as a setting for novels.
Manufacturing & Trade
The clock movement was made by Japy Frères, who were the largest and most commercially significant clockmakers in France in the 19th century. Although mass-produced, the clocks were of a high quality and the firm won prizes at many national and international exhibitions. The clock case may have been retailed by H.Y. Marc, who may also have made clocks as well as selling them. Japy Frères certainly supplied other clocks to H.Y. Marc, but the clock case is very coarse, which suggests that it came from a different supplier.
This type of large, elaborate clock was intended to make a grand statement on a drawing room mantelpiece or sideboard. The sculptural elements were a popular feature of clocks of the period.
Time
The gilt-bronze figure of a mounted North African warrior, the military trophies and the palm leaves that ornament the clock reflect the French colonial ambitions of the period. North Africa held a particular allure and writers such as Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) used the area as a setting for novels.
Manufacturing & Trade
The clock movement was made by Japy Frères, who were the largest and most commercially significant clockmakers in France in the 19th century. Although mass-produced, the clocks were of a high quality and the firm won prizes at many national and international exhibitions. The clock case may have been retailed by H.Y. Marc, who may also have made clocks as well as selling them. Japy Frères certainly supplied other clocks to H.Y. Marc, but the clock case is very coarse, which suggests that it came from a different supplier.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Gilt bronze and alabaster, with glass dome |
| Brief description | [*] French Clock under glass dome |
| Physical description | Clock. Gilt bronze and alabaster, with original glass dome. Movement made by the firm of Japy Frères, Beaucourt, France; the case by the retailer H.Y. Marc, Paris |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Dial inscribed: 'H.Y. Marc … Paris' |
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | Given by Mrs J.C. Sonford |
| Object history | Movement made by the firm of Japy Frères, Beaucourt, France; the case by the retailer H.Y. Marc, Paris |
| Summary | Object Type This type of large, elaborate clock was intended to make a grand statement on a drawing room mantelpiece or sideboard. The sculptural elements were a popular feature of clocks of the period. Time The gilt-bronze figure of a mounted North African warrior, the military trophies and the palm leaves that ornament the clock reflect the French colonial ambitions of the period. North Africa held a particular allure and writers such as Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) used the area as a setting for novels. Manufacturing & Trade The clock movement was made by Japy Frères, who were the largest and most commercially significant clockmakers in France in the 19th century. Although mass-produced, the clocks were of a high quality and the firm won prizes at many national and international exhibitions. The clock case may have been retailed by H.Y. Marc, who may also have made clocks as well as selling them. Japy Frères certainly supplied other clocks to H.Y. Marc, but the clock case is very coarse, which suggests that it came from a different supplier. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.75 to B-1980 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
