{"product_id":"benjamin-franklin-empire-mantel-clock","title":"Benjamin Franklin Empire Mantel Clock","description":"Benjamin Franklin Empire Mantel Clock\u003cbr\u003e French\u003cbr\u003e 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 23\" high x 11\" wide x 7\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46284398395527,"sku":"32-2580","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2580_2.png?v=1792700033","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/benjamin-franklin-empire-mantel-clock","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}