Price
- EUR
Catalogue categories

19th century

UNIQUE MANTEL CLOCK WITH SOLAR ALLEGORY. MODEL ATTRIBUTED TO CARLO ROSSI RUSSIAN EMPIRE, SAINT PETERSBURG, PERIOD OF NICHOLAS I, 1825-1855
UNIQUE MANTEL CLOCK WITH SOLAR ALLEGORY. MODEL ATTRIBUTED TO CARLO ROSSI RUSSIAN EMPIRE, SAINT PETERSBURG, PERIOD OF NICHOLAS I, 1825-1855
A monumental mantel clock of the Late Russian Empire style, conceived within the artistic system associated with the design models of Carlo Rossi (1775-1849). The architectonics of the work are constructed upon a strict vertical axis and imbued with solar symbolism characteristic of court art of the 1830s-1840s.The composition is formed by two volumes of deep sapphire cobalt glass attributed to the Imperial Glass Factory of Saint Petersburg. The lower massive cylindrical body is decorated with a deeply cut diagonal spiral faceting, creating a dynamic effect of flowing water and the passage of time. The plastic rhythm of the glass reinforces the leitmotif of the wave as a symbol of continuity and eternal circulation.The central section features a gilt dial with Roman numerals, surrounded by a wreath of stylized vegetal ornament and a radiant solar composition. Two allegorical figures, male and female, support the upper vessel. Their gestures are directed toward the source of light, forming a cosmogonic image of the luminary rising from the waters. The iconography relates to the theme of Helios and the symbolism of Alpha and Omega, affirming harmony, love and fertility.The upper section takes the form of a cobalt glass vase crowned with an openwork gilt bronze frieze enriched with vegetal and solar motifs. The bronze elements display refined chasing and high-quality fire gilding characteristic of Saint Petersburg workshops of the first half of the nineteenth century.Marks: Not found.Dimensions: Height: 43 cm; Width: 30 cm; Depth: 20 cm.Material: Gilt and polished bronze; cobalt glass attributed to the Imperial Glass Factory; clock mechanism with pendulum.Condition: Good. Even gilding. Minor wear to the base. Minor micro-chips to the pedestal of the glass section, not affecting the overall visual integrity or structural stability of the piece.Provenance: Private European collection.Literature: Igor Sychev. Russian Lighting Fixtures of the Classical Period. 1760-1830. Moscow, P.V.B.R., 2003, illustrations 116, 189, 279, 305, 635, 795, 844, 845, 866, 868.
Begins 02.05.2026
PORCELAIN GARNITURE. MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES FRANCE, 1819
PORCELAIN GARNITURE. MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES FRANCE, 1819
A museum-quality porcelain garniture produced at the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres in 1819, representing an outstanding example of French decorative arts of the Restoration period. The ensemble comprises two tall covered vases and a wide central jardinière, forming a coherent ceremonial composition intended for the reception rooms of aristocratic residences and official interiors.The bodies are executed in fine Sèvres porcelain and enriched with a deep cobalt-blue ground known as bleu lapis, characteristic of the manufactory’s early 19th-century production. The surfaces are lavishly decorated with finely gilded floral and rocaille ornamentation of exceptional refinement. Central reserves are painted with polychrome gallant and pastoral scenes inspired by the French pictorial tradition of the 18th century, featuring delicately modelled figures, soft chromatic harmonies, and atmospheric landscape backgrounds.The interior of the central jardinière is adorned with floral garlands and a central bouquet executed in fine polychrome painting. The vases rest on multi-sided bases fitted with mercury-gilt bronze mounts. The handles, cast as allegorical female figures, reflect the aesthetic vocabulary of the early 19th century and attest to the close collaboration between the Sèvres manufactory and leading Parisian bronze foundries. The removable covers are surmounted by gilt pinecone finials, enhancing the architectural presence and ceremonial character of the ensemble.Marks: Date-letter “A” within a cipher – 1819 (Manufacture nationale de Sèvres); underglaze cobalt decorator’s mark “S…” – painter at the Sèvres manufactory, active during the 1810s–1820s.Dimensions: Central jardinière – Height 43.4 cm, Width 47 cm, Depth 25 cm; vases – Height 71 cm, Width 28 cm, Depth 21 cm.Condition: Good. Minor signs of age and use. Gilding well preserved, polychrome decoration vivid, without losses or restoration.
Begins 03.05.2026
Subscribe to our newsletter
Never miss new auctions
Subscribe

Your latest views