Astronomical Clock - After The Drawing By Jean-andré Reiche

"The Study of Astronomy" Pendulum "The Study of Astronomy", after the drawing by Jean-André REICHE, in finely chiseled and gilded bronze and sea green marble. This clock represents Urania, muse of Astronomy, compass in hand, taking measurements in front of a celestial globe and study books. The base receives, as an applique, a bronze representing an angel studying the sky through an astronomical telescope. The whole rests on an antique green or green marble supported by 4 gilded bronze feet. The dial is in white enamel signed Gabriel Le Roy, the movement is striking the hours and a half presents its wire suspension. Very good condition with its original mercury gilding. Dimensions: H: 42cm, W: 37cm, P: 14cm Empire period around 1807 The interest in models of pendulums dealing with the subject of astronomy is explained by the scientific progress made at the end of the 18th century. The watercolor drawing of this model was deposited in 1806 at the imperial library and kept in the cabinet of prints at the national library. LE ROY, watchmaker to Madame ("Madame" for Letizia Bonaparte, mother of Napoleon 1st). Model reproduced in: - Francois Duesberg Museum page 104 - Vergoldete bronzen by Ottomeyer / proschel page 375 - Encyclopedia of the French clock by P. Kjelberg page 396 - French Bronze clocks by Elke Niehuser: similar model page 91