Description

To be executed in gilt bronze; enamel dial within blue band

A dancing Bacchus and Bacchante displaying a lyre containing the clock above a Bacchic trophy, the garlanded frieze with thyrsus and double pipe motifs; on toupie (spinning top) feet 15in. high

This clock initially seems loaded with purely Bacchic imagery, as Satyrs and Bacchantes formed the retinue of Bacchus. Thus the trophy includes a Bacchante's tambourine, bunches of grapes and a ewer and wine cup for convivial drinking, whereas the frieze features the Satyrs' double pipes and Bacchus's thyrsus staff, essentially a symbol of fertility. This is all appropriate imagery for a dining room clock. However, the Bacchic theme is tempered by the contrasting symbolism of the lyre, associated with Apollo and his Muses. Bacchus and Apollo represented the two contrasting aspects of Man; Bacchus the darker, libertine side of Man's nature, in contrast to Apollo's standing for the restrained, civilized and creative.

A clock of exactly this size and design was sold at Christie's London, March 19, 1970, lot 38.

Medium

Watercolour, gouache and pen and ink, on laid paper

Dimensions:

50.80cm wide   67.40cm high (20.00 inches wide  26.54 inches high)

Status

FOR SALE