Antique French Louis XVI Gilt Bronze & Mahogany Longcase Clock Haentges Frères

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Antique French Louis XVI Gilt Bronze & Mahogany Longcase Clock Haentges Frères :
$59995.00

A Monumental French Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Longcase Clock, Dial Signed Haentges Frères, ParisAn exceptionally imposing and richly ornamented French longcase clock, or régulateur, executed in the Louis XVI taste and distinguished by an elaborate sculptural gilt-bronze case, finely figured mahogany and a white enamel dial signed “Haentges Frères / Paris.”Of grand architectural proportions, the clock is conceived as both a precision timepiece and an important piece of decorative furniture. The tall, tapering case is veneered in richly figured reddish-brown mahogany and extensively mounted with finely cast, chased and gilt bronze ornament in the French neoclassical tradition.The circular white enamel dial is inscribed “Haentges Frères” and “Paris” and displays black Roman numerals for the hours with an outer Arabic minute track. It is fitted with an elaborate pair of pierced and chased gilt hands and enclosed within a finely detailed gilt-bronze bezel.The clock is crowned by an extraordinary sculptural gilt-bronze composition of playful putti amid billowing drapery and clouds. One putto appears above the dial holding aloft a flowing element, while additional figures are dynamically arranged around the clock case. The substantial modeling and deeply worked folds of the drapery create a particularly dramatic three-dimensional effect when viewed from the side.Beneath the clock, the architectural upper section of the wooden case is embellished with finely cast gilt-bronze floral swags, foliate borders and classical ornament. The front is centered by an impressive classical female mask emerging from a radiant sunburst, framed by branches of laurel—an emphatically neoclassical motif associated with triumph, light and classical antiquity.The tall central body gently tapers toward the base and is articulated by gilt-bronze corner mounts and narrow decorative borders. Its principal front panel contains an elaborate vertical gilt-bronze trophy composed around a classical urn issuing scrolling foliage, flowers and arabesques, the entire arrangement contained within a finely delineated reserve.The lower section continues the exceptional level of decoration found throughout the clock. Richly figured veneers are framed by gilt-bronze moldings and foliate mounts, while the shaped plinth is embellished with additional scrolling ornament. The clock is raised upon substantial and highly decorative gilt-bronze feet, including finely modeled foliate and floral details.The juxtaposition of warm, highly figured mahogany with brilliant gilt bronze is particularly effective. The restrained architectural geometry of the longcase provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the exuberant sculptural treatment of the clock above, creating a piece of considerable visual presence.The overall design reflects the French revival of Louis XVI and late eighteenth-century royal decorative arts, incorporating classical urns, laurel, floral garlands, sunbursts, acanthus ornament and allegorical figures into a unified and highly luxurious composition.The dial signature Haentges Frères, Paris provides an important identifying feature and should be retained exactly in any catalogue or sales description. Further examination of the movement for signatures, serial numbers, stamps or other inscriptions may permit a more precise attribution and dating.A magnificent example of French decorative clockmaking and cabinetmaking, impressive both for its monumental scale and the abundance of its gilt-bronze decoration. The clock would make a commanding focal point in a grand entrance hall, salon, library or formal interior.France.
Dial signed: Haentges Frères, Paris.
Louis XVI style.
Figured mahogany/veneered wood, gilt bronze and enamel.Dimensions: 92 × 20 × 13 in.ConditionThe clock presents well overall, displaying the expected minor wear, surface variation, patination and evidence of age associated with an antique decorative object of this type. The gilt-bronze mounts retain an attractive warm surface, while the wooden case exhibits variations in color and figuring consistent with its construction and age. Please refer closely to the accompanying photographs, which form an integral part of the condition description.