Pendule

Pendule

Commode or mantel clock, bronze, original fire gilding

France, around 1780

Symbolic puttoes philosophy/literature and astronomy

measurements: 30 cm x 21cm x 10cm

 

Created in France around 1780, with clear neoclassical influences (metopes, medallions, festoons), this clock must have been made for a poet or philosopher and (hobby-) astronomer, as the puttoes show the relevant attributes: The left one is eagerly writing something whilst sitting on a book, which matches the allegory of literature and philosophy of the time.

The right putto is looking through a small telescope, thus representing astronomy. On top of the timepiece is a pair of doves, which indicates that this clock might have been a wedding present.

 


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