Monumental Antique French Black Stone and Green Marble Mantel Clock with Writer Figure (537)

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G — Antique marble mantle clock with bronze figure of a writer

A — Monumental antique franču melnā akmens un zaļā marmora kamīna pulkstenis ar rakstnieka figūru (antique marble mantle clock) (537)

TAGS — antīks pulkstenis, kamīna pulkstenis, melnais marmors, zaļais marmors, bronzas figūra, rakstnieks, historisma stils, 19. gadsimts, franču pulkstenis, galda pulkstenis, antique marble mantle clock, Libava, Karosta, Tjagins

B — Impresīvs, liela izmēra un neparasti smags antīks franču kamīna pulkstenis greznā 19. gadsimta historisma stilā. Pulksteņa pamatne un ietvars veidoti no masīva, pulēta Beļģijas melnā akmens, ko priekšpusē rotā izteiksmīgi tumši zaļā marmora (Vert de Mer) paneļi un apaļš medaljons. Kompozīciju vainago tumši patinēta metāla/bronzas skulptūra, kurā attēlots domīgs 16.–17. gadsimta rakstnieks vai dzejnieks ar spalvu rokā, sēžam pie grāmatu krāvuma un tintnīcas uz dekoratīva krēsla. Pulkstenim ir balta emaljas ciparnīca ar romiešu cipariem un oriģinālais mehānisms.

C — Antique Marble Mantle Clock Bronze Figure

D — This antique marble mantle clock features a solid black stone base with green marble inserts and a finely detailed bronze figure of a seated writer.

E — antique marble mantle clock

F — antique–marble-mantle-clock-bronze-writer-537

Height: 45 cm

Width: 53 cm

Monumental antique black stone and green marble mantel clock with a writer’s figure (antique marble mantle clock)

Academic elegance, masculine solidity, and the monumental spirit of the late 19th century meet in this impressively sized and unusually heavy mantel clock. This work of art is an outstanding masterpiece of the historicism era, combining the sculpture and stonemasonry of the highest circles. The clock’s massive body is crafted from deep black, polished Belgian stone (Noir Belge), whose strict, architectural lines are excellently softened and contrasted on the front by exquisite, dark green marble (Vert de Mer) panels and a central, round marble medallion with an expressive natural grain pattern.

The upper part of the composition is crowned by a large, highly detailed, and darkly patinated bronze/metal sculpture depicting a Renaissance or Baroque intellectual — a writer, poet, or scholar in historical attire with a dagger at his belt. He is shown in deep thought, sitting on an ornate, upholstered chair with turned legs, while his hand rests on a freshly completed scroll, and next to him on the clock’s frame are a stack of books and writing implements. The clock has a classic, white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and two winding holes, enclosed by a shiny brass frame with the original glass, while behind the glazed door, the historical anchor-type mechanism with a bell is visible.

Manufacturing period

Last quarter of the 19th century, approximately 1880–1895. During this flourishing period of historicism, in European imperial society, manors, and the salons of leading militarists, such heavy, dark stone clocks with historical and academic figures were the main status symbol for cabinets and parade halls.

Manufacturer / signature / stamp

The construction of the mechanism, the cut of the case stones, and the high detail of the sculpture (from the folds of the garment to the book covers) indicate the craftsmanship of leading Parisian clock manufacturers. Monumental clocks of this level, complete with fireplace vases or candelabras, were eagerly purchased for provincial centers to furnish the homes of city architects, judges, and naval elite.

Rarity and significance

The value of the clock lies in its untouched stone structure and the integrity of the sculpture. As the object is extremely heavy, during transportation over the centuries, such marble cases very often had chipped corners or broken delicate details of the figures (quill, dagger handle). This specimen has reached our days in excellent visual and technical condition.

Application

This monumental clock is created to become the visual anchor of any room. It will look ideal on a large, antique fireplace mantel, on a massive oak writing desk in a study, library, or on a parade console in a spacious hallway next to historical paintings, instantly giving the interior aristocratic solidity and intellectual depth.

Condition

The clock is in excellent antique condition. The black stone and green marble body is completely intact, without cracks or chips, preserving the noble, historical polish. The bronze/metal figure is firm, with its original, impeccable dark patina and all fine details. The dial’s enamel is clean, without cracks or defects. The mechanism is complete, visually clean, and preserved in authentic configuration. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.

Snapshot of the era, polar explorer Evstafijs Tjagins: In the quiet, solid residential house of Libava’s Northern Suburb, a calm Sunday afternoon peace reigns. The room is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the heavy, calm ticking of a clock, occasionally complemented by the distant, rhythmic thud of steam hammers from the Tosmare shipyard. At the table, re-reading old expedition diaries and Novaya Zemlya (