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Learn More“Madame Recamier“ French Empire Mantel Clock by Claude Galle
- This circa 1805 clock by the renowned Claude Galle exquisitely depicts Madame Juliette Récamier
- She hosted influential Parisian salons that attracted prominent intellectuals
- Madame Récamier was admired not only for her intellect but also for her beauty
- Galle supplied the majority of the furnishing bronzes for the Château de Fontainebleau
- Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No.
31-8652
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Description
This exceptional French Empire mantel clock by the renowned Claude Galle exquisitely depicts Madame Juliette Récamier, one of the most celebrated figures and muses of the First Empire. A famed salonnière of the French court, Madame Récamier hosted influential Parisian salons that attracted the prominent intellectuals, writers, politicians and artists of her era. Admired not only for her intellect but also for her beauty, charm and grace, she was famously painted by artists such as. . .
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This exceptional French Empire mantel clock by the renowned Claude Galle exquisitely depicts Madame Juliette Récamier, one of the most celebrated figures and muses of the First Empire. A famed salonnière of the French court, Madame Récamier hosted influential Parisian salons that attracted the prominent intellectuals, writers, politicians and artists of her era. Admired not only for her intellect but also for her beauty, charm and grace, she was famously painted by artists such as Jacques-Louis David and François Gérard, among others. The type of chaise lounge featured in this clock— the récamier—is named after her, inspired by the iconic portrait that depicts her elegantly reclining on one.
The clock's harmonious proportions and refined opulence make it one of the finest ever created by Galle, who was Napoleon’s favored clockmaker. Madame Récamier, dressed in classical attire, sits reading a book upon her famed daybed, which is adorned with exquisite Neoclassical ornamentation. She is positioned in front of an original glass mirror and a large clock with an 8-day silk-suspended pendulum movement, striking on the hour-and-a-half-hour. The fire-gilt ormolu, of the highest quality, reflects the height of Claude Galle's craftsmanship, showcasing his unparalleled mastery.
Claude Galle (1759–1815) is regarded as one of the most important bronziers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly during the French Empire period. He took over the workshop of his father-in-law, Pierre Foy, in 1788—soon turning it into one the finest that employed over 400 craftsmen. Galle collaborated with many excellent artisans, including Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and supplied the majority of the furnishing bronzes for the Château de Fontainebleau during the Empire. He received many other Imperial commissions for the Trianons, the Tuileries, Compiègne and Rambouillet, among others.
Circa 1805
19 1/2" high x 17" wide x 7 1/2" deep
The clock's harmonious proportions and refined opulence make it one of the finest ever created by Galle, who was Napoleon’s favored clockmaker. Madame Récamier, dressed in classical attire, sits reading a book upon her famed daybed, which is adorned with exquisite Neoclassical ornamentation. She is positioned in front of an original glass mirror and a large clock with an 8-day silk-suspended pendulum movement, striking on the hour-and-a-half-hour. The fire-gilt ormolu, of the highest quality, reflects the height of Claude Galle's craftsmanship, showcasing his unparalleled mastery.
Claude Galle (1759–1815) is regarded as one of the most important bronziers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly during the French Empire period. He took over the workshop of his father-in-law, Pierre Foy, in 1788—soon turning it into one the finest that employed over 400 craftsmen. Galle collaborated with many excellent artisans, including Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and supplied the majority of the furnishing bronzes for the Château de Fontainebleau during the Empire. He received many other Imperial commissions for the Trianons, the Tuileries, Compiègne and Rambouillet, among others.
Circa 1805
19 1/2" high x 17" wide x 7 1/2" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Mantel Clocks |
| Depth: | 7.5 in. (19.05 cm) |
| Width: | 17.0 in. (43.18 cm) |
| Height: | 19.5 in. (49.53 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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