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Rothschild French Clock Garniture
- This French garniture was owned by two of the most celebrated collectors of the modern era
- The clock stands nearly three feet high, while the matching candelabra rise to almost four feet
- At the heart of the clock is a rare annular dial, known in French as a cercle tournant
- Few clock garnitures possess such commanding beauty or such an illustrious history
- Get complete item description here
$650,000
Item No.
32-2063
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Description
French Clock Garniture with Annular Dial
Late 19th Century
Owned by two of the most celebrated collectors of the modern era, this monumental clock garniture is a masterpiece of extraordinary scale, craftsmanship and provenance. For decades, it graced the magnificent interiors of Château de Vallière, the home of Marguerite de Rothschild, before entering the renowned collection of Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir, once considered among the wealthiest men in the world. Few clock garnitures possess such. . .
Late 19th Century
Owned by two of the most celebrated collectors of the modern era, this monumental clock garniture is a masterpiece of extraordinary scale, craftsmanship and provenance. For decades, it graced the magnificent interiors of Château de Vallière, the home of Marguerite de Rothschild, before entering the renowned collection of Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir, once considered among the wealthiest men in the world. Few clock garnitures possess such. . .
Read More
French Clock Garniture with Annular Dial
Late 19th Century
Owned by two of the most celebrated collectors of the modern era, this monumental clock garniture is a masterpiece of extraordinary scale, craftsmanship and provenance. For decades, it graced the magnificent interiors of Château de Vallière, the home of Marguerite de Rothschild, before entering the renowned collection of Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir, once considered among the wealthiest men in the world. Few clock garnitures possess such commanding beauty or such an illustrious history.
The ensemble is breathtaking in both its proportions and artistry. The spectacular clock stands nearly three feet high, while the matching candelabra rise to almost four feet. Rich Vert de Campan marble is paired with exceptionally cast and mercury-gilded bronze mounts, creating a dramatic contrast of color, texture and light.
At the heart of the clock is a rare annular dial, known in French as a cercle tournant. Rather than employing conventional hands, two revolving rings mark the passage of time: one indicates the hours, while the other displays the minutes against a fixed pointer. Celebrated for their technical ingenuity and visual sophistication, clocks of this type were created for France’s most discerning and affluent patrons. Few surviving examples rival this garniture in scale, complexity and opulence.
Annular clock: 41 3/4" high x 26" wide x 13 3/4" deep
Candelabra: 46" high x 15" wide x 16" deep
Provenance:
Collection of Baroness Marguerite de Rothschild, Château de Vallière, France
Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir Collection
Private collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Late 19th Century
Owned by two of the most celebrated collectors of the modern era, this monumental clock garniture is a masterpiece of extraordinary scale, craftsmanship and provenance. For decades, it graced the magnificent interiors of Château de Vallière, the home of Marguerite de Rothschild, before entering the renowned collection of Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir, once considered among the wealthiest men in the world. Few clock garnitures possess such commanding beauty or such an illustrious history.
The ensemble is breathtaking in both its proportions and artistry. The spectacular clock stands nearly three feet high, while the matching candelabra rise to almost four feet. Rich Vert de Campan marble is paired with exceptionally cast and mercury-gilded bronze mounts, creating a dramatic contrast of color, texture and light.
At the heart of the clock is a rare annular dial, known in French as a cercle tournant. Rather than employing conventional hands, two revolving rings mark the passage of time: one indicates the hours, while the other displays the minutes against a fixed pointer. Celebrated for their technical ingenuity and visual sophistication, clocks of this type were created for France’s most discerning and affluent patrons. Few surviving examples rival this garniture in scale, complexity and opulence.
Annular clock: 41 3/4" high x 26" wide x 13 3/4" deep
Candelabra: 46" high x 15" wide x 16" deep
Provenance:
Collection of Baroness Marguerite de Rothschild, Château de Vallière, France
Mohammed Mehdi Al-Tajir Collection
Private collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Other |
| Depth: | 13.75 in. (34.93 cm) |
| Width: | 26.0 in. (66.04 cm) |
| Height: | 41.75 in. (106.05 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
