A French 'swinging' mystery clock, the eight day movement is contained within the bronzed sphere at the top of the pendulum on which are attached the gilt Roman hour numerals with pierced and engraved brass hands. The pendulum, with brass and steel rods, swings from the arm of the spelter figure with no apparent means of momentum, the backplate signed with the maker's trademark, the initials I.E. within the edges of a double circle, and bearing the serial number '11191' which is repeated to the rear of the gilded movement bridge. The figure is embossed with the sculpture's name 'Aug. Moreau', 'France', and has a further applied roundel stating it's manufacture in Paris, with the turned brass base having an applied brass plaque engraved 'Echo de la Montagne par Aug. Moreau (Med d'Or)'. The figure sits on an oak stand with four shaped legs.
* This style of mystery clock was popular in the mid-nineteenth century with the movement made possible by a counterweight set within the top globe attached to the movement as first designed by Brequet in the early 1800's.
Auguste
Louis Marthurin Moreau was born in Dijon in 1834 and died in
Malesherbes in 1917 being the youngest son of sculptor and painter
Jean-Baptiste Moreau. He studied under his father and also with Aimé
Millet, Augustin Drumont and Jean Thomas. Each of the three Moreau
brothers, Hippolyte, Marthurin and Auguste, have become renowned for
the quality and the beauty of their figurative work. Auguste himself
is particularly known for his Art Noveau style figures with his
subjects being primarily young maidens sensuously clad in a swirling
diaphanous dress and usually decorated with flowers and birds or
allegorical and genre scenes incorporating cupids and young children.
His style was realistic and graceful, revealing his relation to the
other members of the Moreau family. His compositions encapsulate a
feeling of innocence whilst incorporating an air of mischievous game.
In 1861 Auguste made his debut at the Salon where he would exhibit
regularly until 1913.
Height: 78 inches (198cm): including stand; 39 inches (98cm): clock.
Price: On Application