An Empire Clock After the Model by Reiche

Empire Clock After the Model by Reiche.

A Fine Gilt-Bronze Empire Clock Depicting Minerva Riding the Chariot of Diomedes, After the Model by Reiche.

French, Circa 1820.

This fine Empire clock has a circular bronze annular dial with Roman chapters shaped as a wheel, it is surmounted by Minerva and Diomedes (this is also the Greek Athena and Telemachus) on a Lion chariot drawn by Stallions. The clock is raised on a plinth base and has an eight-day twin barrel movement with silk suspension and countwheel strike on a bell.

The original model for this clock was made by Reiche in 1807. Reiche's original designs for this clock survive in the Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris (Inventory no. cdest. le 30, fol 43). There are many known surviving models, including one at Malmaison.

Jean-André Reiche was born the son of a Leipzig shop owner in 1752. He settled in Paris during the reign of Louis XVI, becoming a master founder in June 1785. One of the most renowned Parisian bronziers of the Empire period his workshop were based at rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth.   At first designated as a bronzier and marble specialist, during the Empire he was listed as a “marchand-fabricant de bronzes”.

He died on March 18, 1817, leaving his business to his son Jean Reiche.

Literature:

L'Encyclopédie  de la Pendule Francaise, (Paris), 1997; p. 417., ill. D.
Tardy, French Clocks, Part Two (Paris 1981), p. 279.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number