Clock with the Figure of Friendship Holding a Medallion

This clock is composed of gilt-bronze components created by an unidentified maker, a column and plaque manufactured at the French royal porcelain factory, Sèvres, and a mechanism made by the leading Parisian clockmaker, Renacle-Nicolas Sotiau. The various components were brought together by a marchand-mercier, the Parisian entrepreneurs and retailers that created and sold some of the most luxurious goods produced in France in the 18th century, like this clock.

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Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Collection of Edwin Marriott Hodgkins (1860–1932), by 1909 [1] [date and mode of acquisition unknown]. Acquired by Henry Walters, Baltimore, after 1909 [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

[1]. “Special Exhibition of Sèvres Porcelaine on View at the Galleries of E. M. Hodgkins, 18, rue de la Ville l’Évêque, Paris” (London: Chiswick Press, 1909), p. 16: “Louis XVI Porcelaine Clock. Bleu du Roi and white fluted pedestal case in which is placed the dial; with enrichments of gold. To the right of the column is a partly draped figure of a nymph, in ormolu, bearing in her extended right hand a double flaming heart; with her left hand she supports an oval frame containing a Sèvres blue and white biscuit plaque; opposite is seated cupid, playing with a dog. Mounted on a white marble plinth, decorated with an ormolu frieze. Movement by Sotian [sic]. Height, 14 1/4 in."