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Benjamin Franklin Empire Mantel Clock
- This rare 19th-century French clock portrays Benjamin Franklin as a scientist
- An electrostatic machine beside Franklin recalls his pioneering electrical research
- The sculptural design follows the tradition of French clockmaker Dubuc
- The figure presents Franklin dressed in a fur-trimmed coat that he wore during his years in France
- Get complete item description here
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French
19th Century
Benjamin Franklin appears as the celebrated scientist and statesman in this exceptionally rare French Empire-style mantel clock. Crafted by a French artisan in the style of Dubuc, the clock depicts the Founding Father in bronze seated beside an electrostatic machine, a reference to the electrical experiments that earned him international renown. Despite Franklin’s iconic celebrity status on both sides of the Atlantic both during and after. . .
French
19th Century
Benjamin Franklin appears as the celebrated scientist and statesman in this exceptionally rare French Empire-style mantel clock. Crafted by a French artisan in the style of Dubuc, the clock depicts the Founding Father in bronze seated beside an electrostatic machine, a reference to the electrical experiments that earned him international renown. Despite Franklin’s iconic celebrity status on both sides of the Atlantic both during and after his lifetime, clocks portraying him are exceptionally scarce.
The carefully modeled figure presents Franklin with his familiar hair, dressed in a fur-trimmed coat that he wore during his years in France. Franklin’s scientific reputation proved a powerful asset when he arrived in France in 1776 to seek support for American independence. His fame gave him access to influential French circles, and his diplomacy helped secure the alliance of 1778. French financial and military assistance subsequently proved decisive to the American victory.
Here, Franklin's gilded figure and the elaborate mounts contrast with the black case, while a white dial with Roman numerals anchors the composition. Foliate ornament surrounds the dial and continues across the base and scrolling feet. The work of a master artisan, a clock like this would have been available only to the world's most elite patrons.
23" high x 11" wide x 7" deep
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Mantel Clocks |
| Depth: | 7.0 in. (17.78 cm) |
| Width: | 11.5 in. (29.21 cm) |
| Height: | 23.0 in. (58.42 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
