Search text
Lot No. 399
Estimate  18,000 - 22,000 €
This is a lot of a former auction!

Le Roy Horloger De Madame, Paris / bronzing attributed to Jean-André Reiche / sculptor probably Jean Baptiste Boyer, Height 450 mm

, circa 1810

A spectacular Empire ormolu sculptural chariot mantel clock "The Chariot of Telemachus"

Case: ormolu, rectangular base with applied laurel and oak wreaths and a centred eagle with thunderbolts (Zeus), fasces corners. Finely cast and chiseled chariot with lion's mask surmounted by Telemachus protected by Athena guarding her with her shield, drawn by lively horses. The enamel chapter ring is forming the wheel, the spokes are open-worked for making the skeletonized movement visible. Dial: enamel chapter ring, radial Roman numerals, Breguet hands. Movm.: circular brass full plate movement, 2 barrels, 1 hammer / 1 bell, 8 day-movement, count wheel, anchor escapement, short pendulum.

The clock has been known as the "Chariot of Diomedes", however, a draft by Jean-André Reiche (1752-1817) - to whom the bronzing is attributed - in the Bibliothèque impériale calls it "char de Télémaque" (chariot of Telemachus).
Source: "Die Französische Bronzeuhr" by Elke Niehüser, Munich 1997, p. 68.

A nearly identical mantel clock is described and illustrated in "Die Französische Bronzeuhr" by Elke Niehüser, Munich 1997, p 68, 69.

When he left for Troy, Ulysses' infant son Telemachus remained behind. By the time he had grown into a man, the Gods decided that Ulysses should return home, so Athena approached Telemachus and told him to go and investigate his father’s fate. As his family tried to keep Telemachus at home, Athena turned herself into Mentor, an old friend of Ulysses and the two men set off together. They found out that Ulysses was kept prisoner by the nymph Calypso. When Telemachus arrived on Calypso’s island she fell in love with him, but he lost his heart to Eucharis, another nymph.
Source: "Was Bilder erzaehlen" by H. Krauss/E. Uthemann, Munich 1987, pp. 107.
Case: very good
Dial: very good
Movm.: very good, capable of running

Tell a friend ...

Send to the following address: (*)

My message
My e-mail address (*)

Leave bid

Minimum bid 18000 €

Your maximum bid (100 € steps)

Bitte nur 100er Schritte

 Send me an e-mail when I'm outbid.

You are placing a binding bid for this item!