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

33305

A Galle Louis XVI Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
A Galle Louis XVI Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock
<B>A French Louis XVI Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock</B></I><BR><BR>Attributed to Claude Galle, Paris, France<BR>Circa 1780<BR>Marble and gilt bronze<BR>Unmarked<BR>18 in. high x 18.25 in. wide x 5 in. deep<BR><BR>Depicting the Tragedy of Belisarius, the movement with circular white enamel dial with roman chapters and arabic minute and date rings; flanked by figures of a classically draped youth and an aged beggar, the case surmounted by a military trophy and raised upon a plinth with a relief scene. The whole set upon a white marble shaped base centering a frieze cast and chased with a figural scene; raised on toupee feet.<BR><BR>Belisarius, a general under Justinian, was one of the greatest military commanders of his time and the spearhead of Byzantium's attempts to rebuild the Roman Empire. His very success, however, made him many enemies. Incriminated in a plot against Justinian, his eyes were put out on the Emperor's orders in 561 A.D. According to the historian Procopius, Belisarius, stripped of all his possessions, was reduced to begging in the streets of Byzantium.<BR><BR>A similar example of this clock (with some losses) signed by Claude Galle is housed in the Jerez de la Frontera, Museo de Relojes in Madrid.<BR>
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