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a gold clock that is sitting on top of a tablea gold clock that is sitting on top of a boata gold clock with an angel and a man in a boata gold clock sitting on top of a table next to a pair of scissorsa gold clock sitting on top of a table
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OUEST ENCHERES PUBLIQUES NANTES & RENNES

402 - A bronze clock, chiselled and gilded, depicting *The Journey…
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Estimate €2,000 - €2,500
Sale commission
Description
A bronze clock, chiselled and gilded, depicting *The Journey of Love and Time* or *Love Makes Time Pass*, sailing upon simulated waves in an ancient ship with rostrums adorned with fantastical zoomorphic figures, the hull riveted to the swan-necked bow and stern. Time, depicted as Chronos, holding the hourglass in one hand and the scythe in the other (blade missing), leans against the circular white-enamelled dial indicating the hours in Roman numerals; it is signed ‘François HENRY’ in Douai (chips and cracks). Cupid, for his part, guides the ship with his oar adorned with a dolphin; behind him is an anchor (needs reattaching; its bow is missing). The bevelled base, decorated with large shells, is centred on a maritime trophy featuring a trident and an oar. It is supported by four clawed lion’s feet (parts missing, including one hand, the balance wheel and the gong). Empire period, circa 1810. Height: 36 cm – Length: 42 cm – Depth: 13.5 cm This clock is illustrated in Pierre KJELLBERG’s book, *La pendule française*, on page 408. Based on a popular song, ‘Le Voyage du Temps’, composed by Joseph-Alexandre de Ségur (1757–1805), the design of this clock is attributed to Claude Galle, based on a drawing by Louis-Simon BOIZOT (1743–1809). Winner of the Prix de Rome in 1762, he spent several years there; from 1773 onwards he exhibited at the Salon and was appointed director of the École des Beaux-Arts in 1805. Trained as a sculptor, he created designs for the Arts Décoratifs, such as our clock, and for the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, which he joined in 1774. This piece was highly successful; the Château de Malmaison holds a version from the ‘Murat collection’, created by the Manufacture Nast in biscuit porcelain (M.M 4047340). Lot from a voluntary sale.
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About the sale Quintessence IV – Part 2: Furniture & Works of Art
Auction location
Auction time 10/17/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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