Regency bronze and ormolu mantel clock, attributed to Weeks of Coventry Street, London, c. 1810, 8-day movement striking on bell, deadbeat escapement with outside count-wheel, white enamel dial with Roman numerals, signed, the clock drum supported on the wings of an eagle amongst clouds, on a splayed plinth decorated with mythical scene of Europa and the bull, flanked by two griffins, the sides mounted with Apollo masks and dolphins amid foliate scrolls, with glass dome, height 37 cm (46 cm with glass dome) width 47 cm depth 19 cm. Provenance: Ex. Bill Bradshaw's private collection, c. 1980, the collection of Dr. Henry Mackellar Michelmore, Sydney, labels: Cf. Royal & Imperial clocks, romantic & Scientific, the David Roche Foundation, Adelaide, illustrated p 67
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- Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
- Ormolu - Ormolu was popular with French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th century for ornamental fittings for furniture, clocks and other decorative items. True ormolu is gilt bronze, that is bronze that has been coated with gold using a mercury amalgam. Due to the health risks associated with using mercury, this method of creating ormolu was discontinued in France in the 1830s. A substitute was developed consisting of about 75% copper and 25% zinc, however it was inferior to the bronze version. It was often lacquered to prevent it tarnishing.
- Foliate - Decorated with leaves or leaf-like forms.
- Apollo - Apollo is the Greek and Roman god of the sun, and patron of music and poetry. He is often depicted with a lyre.
- Regency Period - The Regency period in English furniture design refers to the period when King George III, was declared unfit to rule in 1811, and his son ruled as proxy as Prince Regent, until 1820, and then, after the death of his father as George IV until his death in 1830. The Regency period was preceded by the Georgian period (George I, George II, and George III: 1714 - 1811), and was followed by the William IV period, which only lasted until 1837 when William IV died as was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
- Attributed - A cataloguing term where the item in the opinion of the cataloguers, is a of the period of the artist, craftsman or designer, and which probably in whole or part is the work of that person.
- The Eagle - The eagle has been a symbol of power, victory, and strength for centuries. It is often associated with bravery, prowess, and dominance, and has been used as a symbol by many cultures and civilizations throughout history.
In ancient Greece, the eagle was associated with the god Zeus, who was considered the king of the gods and the ruler of the skies. In many cultures, the eagle was seen as a messenger between the physical world and the spirit world, and was associated with the sun and the sky.
In the Roman Empire, the eagle was the symbol of the Roman army, and was displayed on the standards of the soldiers to show the power and authority of the empire. In medieval Europe, the eagle was used as a symbol of power and victory by monarchs and rulers, and was often depicted in art and architecture as a symbol of strength and courage.
In modern times, the eagle continues to be a symbol of power, victory, and strength. It is often used as a symbol by nations and organisations, and is frequently depicted in art and on monuments to commemorate important events and achievements.
The eagle's powerful appearance, combined with its association with freedom, courage, and dominance, makes it a popular and enduring symbol of power and victory.
- Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
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