Ravrio: Empire period clock in patinated bronze with mercury gilding - signed

Patinated bronze and gilt bronze clock depicting a vestal dressed in antique style and leaning against the altar of love. Enamel dial signed Ravrio bronzier and Mesnil horloger. Early Empire period, circa 1805-1810.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs has exactly the same clock in its collection, with a small variant in which the muse Erato holds a leaflet in her hand. There are other variants of this clock where the young woman holds a stylus, or the upper basin is replaced by a recumbent dog.

André Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814), along with Thomire and Claude Galle, was one of the most important bronzemakers of the Empire, and supplier to Emperor Napoleon I. Born in Paris in 1759, he was awarded the title of Master Foundryman in 1777 and opened his own workshop in 1790. He ran a major establishment during the Empire. Ravrio supplied furnishing bronzes for imperial palaces and a prestigious clientele (Prince Murat, Louis Bonaparte). He died in 1814. In addition to his undeniable talent as a bronzemaker, Ravrio is also remembered as a writer (he composed numerous poems and wrote a number of vaudevilles). And, in particular, his great generosity. He was a member of numerous literary and charitable societies, and was also the creator of a 3,000-franc prize to enable the discovery of a preventive means against the dangers of using mercury in the profession of metal gilder.

Claude II du Grand Mesnil, watchmaker.

A handsome, well-proportioned model, very elegant and with fine finishes worthy of its maker (very fine mercury gilding in matte and gloss).

Excellent condition, complete, no wear to the gilding, the movement is overhauled by our watchmaker. On-site adjustment is always necessary after installation.

Width: 39cm
Height : 42cm
Depth: 12cm

Ref: OYALVR5CH6