A French Empire patinated, gilt-bronze and yellow marble ‘Napoleonide’ clock, first quarter of the 19th century
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
the enameled dial with Roman numerals, set in a square case decorated with bees flanked by two imperial coats-of-arms on the sides, surmounted by a bronze bust of Napoleon I as Hermes, signed "CHAUDET FECIT," with the inscription "MODELE L.R." inside the bust, resting on a yellow marble base
Haut. 59 cm, larg. 23 cm, prof. 23 cm ; Height. 23 in, width. 9 in, depth. 9 in
Christie’s New York, 17 April 2012, lot 387
Related literature
M.-F. Dupuy-Baylet, Pendules du Mobilier National 1800-1870, Dijon, 2006, p. 140
G. Hubert, G. Ledoux-Lebard, Napoléon : Portraits contemporains, bustes et statues, Paris, 1999, pp.78-79
Following the proclamation of the Empire in Messidor, Year XII (June–July 1804), newspapers informed enthusiasts that life-sized plaster busts of the Emperor, modeled by sculptor Antoine-Denis Chaudet, were being produced. The artist had just modified his 1802 bust, removing the sash and cloak to create the streamlined model of Napoleon as a herm, which would enjoy immense success. Though not the result of an official commission, this model proved highly popular and was replicated in plaster, bronze, and Sèvres biscuit, but most notably in marble. By imperial decree, Chaudet was granted an absolute monopoly over its distribution. Having placed his sister Elisa at the head of the Duchy of Massa-Carrara, the Emperor ensured direct control over Carrara marble production, and the staggering figure of over 1,000 Napoleon herm busts carved in the finest white marble testifies to the boundless ambition of the new ruler.