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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 featuring 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 displaying the hours in Roman numerals; it is signed ‘François HENRY’ in Douay (chips and cracks). Cupid, for his part, guides the hull with his oar adorned with a dolphin; behind him is an anchor (needs reattaching; the 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). The plate movement was fitted after the case was made. 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. Inspired by the 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 decorative arts, such as our clock, and for the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, which he joined in 1774. This piece enjoyed great success; 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
Lot description modified on 10/16/2026 at 2:59 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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