Louis XV Clock "with The Bull" Or "the Kidnapping Of Europe"

After JEAN-JOSEPH DE SAINT-GERMAIN (Paris, 1719-1791) LOUIS XV CLOCK “TO THE BULL” OR “THE ABDUCTION OF EUROPE” Paris, Louis XV period, around 1760 Gilt and patinated bronze. Movement from a later period H.70 cm, W. 50 cm, D. 22 cm This “bull” clock brings us back to Louis XV under whose reign animal clocks were very successful. The bronziers of the capital integrated the movement into a rockery decor, most often carried by an exotic animal or by a bull when, accompanied by a graceful female figure, it could be likened to Zeus. According to the accounts of ancient mythology, Zeus coveted Europa, the daughter of the king of Tire in Phoenicia. Of great beauty, she loved to walk on the beach. The mighty God had the idea of transforming himself into a beautiful white bull to draw her to him. As soon as she saw the animal, Europe approached to stroke it. He lies down, invites her to climb on his back and flees across the sea to Crete. So Zeus kidnapped Europa. The greatest bronziers of the 18th century seized on the myth of the Abduction of Europe. The Louvre, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Getty in Malibu preserve in particular models in patinated bronze and gilt bronze or only in gilt bronze, signed or attributed to Osmond or SaintGermain. Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, received master in 1748, gave several variants. . Europe, bare chest, is seated on a heavy drapery falling on the clock carried by the bull alone on a rocky terrace. In our copy, the young woman holds a bouquet of natural flowers in her hand. The dial is signed: "Foullière, rue de la Chaussée d'Antin". Movement with chime in perfect working order. height: 70cm