French Transition Mantel Clock Representing The Abduction Of Europa

Period

ca. 1775

Material

gilded bronze and patinated bronze

Sizes

(height) 57cm. (width) 16cm. (Length) 45cm.

Description

Eight day clockwork with going train with anchor escapement, rack-stricking with repetition and striking every quarter of an hour.
Signed: Petit à Paris
Jerôme Petit was registered in 1770 as ‘Maître-horlogier’ in Paris.

The mantelclock depicts Zeus in the guise of a bull, whilst abducting the royal daughter Europa.
The patinated bronze bull carries the actual clock on which Europa is seated. On the left a female figure, on the right a depiction of Zephyr who helps Zeus by blowing the wind in the right direction.
The bronzes are signed: Le Duc (on the back under the sitting Europa)
Louis LeDuc was registered as ‘Maître bronzier’ in Paris on january 5. 1759.