DESCRIPTION:
Isidore-Arnoult Grenot, Paris, France, figural mantel clock, 8 day, time and strike, spring driven round movement with silk thread suspension in a gilt bronze case on turned feet, the base with frieze depicting Cupid under a garland, standing above is a gilt figure of the butterfly-winged goddess Psyche handling a quiver of arrows, roman numeral white enamel dial, and blued steel Breguet hands.
CONDITION:
detailed castings depict the mythological figures, birds, plants, and butterflies. Much of the gilding remains. The statue of Psyche has suffered broken wings in the past. The original wing pieces were reattached using what remained of the wings on the figure. It is a solid repair, only visible from the back, and could be improved upon by a skilled craftsman. A hole in the end of the quiver of arrows may have once held something or it may be an artifact associated with the casting process. There is adhesive residue on the back side of the case. Signed enamel dial reads "Isidore / Grenot". There are a few fine hairlines and a small chip at the right winding arbor hole. The unsigned movement is stamped "7588". There is no rear door because this clock once lived under a glass dome. The goddess Psyche is connected with Cupid in mythology and is often represented with butterfly wings. Isidore Grenot is listed in Tardy's dictionary of French clockmakers as an apprentice in Paris around 1765. This clock is from much later in his career. Grenot is the maker attributed to several figural clocks depicting George Washington, including a fine example at the Winterthur museum.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$700
PRICE SOLD:
$425
CIRCA: 1815
DIMENSIONS: 16.5in x 10in x 4.5in
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