Beautiful Pendulum Signed For The Study Of Astronomy, Empire Period.

Very beautiful clock that is one of the "flagship" models of the Empire period and therefore highly referenced.
Named in the national archives "The study of astronomy", this clock was the work of the bronzier Jean-André Reiche (1752-1817), attested by a drawing deposited by the Master in 1806 at the Imperial Library.
Very fine specimen in gilded bronze with mercury and sea green marble, representing Urania studying astronomy, aided by a compass, a celestial globe and maps.
The link between astronomy and the measurement of time is perfectly represented, underlined by the stars applied around the dial and by the scene in bas-relief where a Cupid peers into the stars.
The enamelled dial is signed, "Lamy-Gouge à Paris", a very renowned watchmaker and registered partner of Jean-André Reiche and Claude Galle at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Clock presented is attributed to the latter, you can also see on the last photos a work of chasing and gilding identical to its "false pendant": the Reading Clock signed by Claude Galle.

This model of pendulum for the "study of astronomy" is all the more rare because the books, commonly placed on the ground to the left of Urania, are replaced by a flaming torchiere attached by a handle.
The only other model referenced with this particularity is in the J.Paul Getty museum and is signed by Claude Galle.

Superb state of conservation with a magnificent original gilding.

Perfect working condition, revised by an art watchmaker.

Empire period.

Dimensions:
Height 37cm
Width 31cm
Depth 10cm

Bibliography:

-Pierre Kjellberg, “Encyclopedia of the French clock”, p.396
-Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, p.91
-H. Ottomeyer, P. Proschel et al., “Vergoldete Bronzen”, Munich, 1986, Vol. I, p.375 5.15.5
-Tardy "Dictionary of watchmakers" page 130
-Francois Duesberg Museum page 104
 

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