LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Decorative Art Signature Auction #...  / 

33321

A Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
A Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
<B>A French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock</B></I><BR><BR>Attributed to Claude Galle, Paris, France<BR>Circa 1810<BR>Gilt bronze, enamel<BR>Unmarked<BR>21.5 in. high x 17.75 in. wide x 4.75 in. deep<BR><BR>Depicting Omphale, Queen of Lydia with the weapons of Hercules, the movement with circular white enamel dial with roman chapters and an Arabic minute ring, framed within a guilloche border and raised upon a draped plinth; surmounted by classically dressed figure of Omphale seated upon a draped lions pelt, with a club and laurel wreath; the whole upon a shaped base plinth ornamented with a central semi-circular reserve with the figures of Hercules and Omphale flanked by oak branches and Herculean masks; the sides with rectangular reserves containing swans.<BR><BR>For murdering his friend Iphitus in a fit of madness, Hercules was sold as a slave to Omphale, Queen of Lydia, for three years. While in her service he grew effeminate, wearing women's clothes and adornments, and spinning yarn. Eventually, Hercules hands Omphale his lion skin and his weapon, the much feared club. This exchange of attributes is represented in the iconography of this clock, with Omphale portrayed with a club and lion pelt, while Hercules is depicted holding a spindle.<BR><BR>A virtually identical example of this clock, signed <I>Galle, Rue Vivienne a Paris</B></I> is illustrated in Hans Ottomeyer and Peter Proschel, <I>Vergoldete Bronzen,</B></I> page 371. <BR>
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