A French Empire ormolu sculptural mantel clock ‘water seller’, circa 1810.

Description

Sculptural mantel clock

Around the start of the nineteenth century, the French middle class started to grow more prosperous and larger. As the tastes and values of this class differed from those of the aristocracy, a change started to appear in the subject matter of (applied) art. Alongside the Classicist subjects typical of the nobility, themes like family, faith, and everyday life became more popular. This sculptural mantel clock depicts a water seller with his cart, going door to door to sell water. Stylistically, the clock still has characteristics typical of the Empire period, such as the flat base with bun feet and the thin enamel chapter ring. There is also the mask at the front of the base, personifying a river god, which fits the Classicist tradition. However, the worldly humble, everyday subject of the water seller clearly belongs to the upcoming taste of the Bourgeoisie. Alongside the fine details of the cart and the man, it is the realistic stance of the figure that is especially fascinating. Looking up, he seems to be calling to his customers on higher floors. It is this realism that brings movement to the scene, making it more than just a clock. It becomes a sculpture that intrigues the beholder and which reflects the interests of the upcoming middle class.

The chapter ring

A nice side effect having a cart or chariot is that the wheel is also used as chapter ring and in this way integrating it nicely in the design. The 12-cm enamel chapter ring has Roman numerals and is signed M.C. Jordis a Ffort S.I.m. The movement nicely visible through the spokes. The decorative pierced hands are made of gilt brass.

striking

The typical french movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of at least eight days. It is being regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock has half hour striking on a bell by means of a countwheel.

cart

The movement is fitted in an ormolu case shaped as the wheel of a cart with a wooden barrel and two barrels. In front of it stands a water seller looking up seeming to shout. The cart and seller are on a rectangular base with an ornament of a mask flanked by plumes symbolizing a river deity at the front. The whole is placed on bun feet.