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Mantel clock
Design attributed to: Benjamin Vulliamy (English, 1747–1811)
Modeled by: James Smith (English, 1775–1815)
[Role]: John Houle (English, 1784–1850)
[Role]: Randal Jackson (English, born about 1740, active 1785–1808, died in 1820)
Made by: Vulliamy & Son
Probably cast by: Michael Barnett (English, 1763–1817)
[Role]: Pierre-Maximilien Delafontaine (French, 1774–1860)
[Role]: Day
Modeled by: James Smith (English, 1775–1815)
[Role]: John Houle (English, 1784–1850)
[Role]: Randal Jackson (English, born about 1740, active 1785–1808, died in 1820)
Made by: Vulliamy & Son
Probably cast by: Michael Barnett (English, 1763–1817)
[Role]: Pierre-Maximilien Delafontaine (French, 1774–1860)
[Role]: Day
English (London)
1808-1811
Medium/Technique
Patinated and gilt bronze, marble
Dimensions
H: 12 1/4 in.; W: 17.5 in.; D: 5 in.
Credit Line
Gift of Horace Wood Brock
Accession Number2012.1172
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Timekeeping
Furniture – Clocks
Furniture – Clocks
DescriptionCylindrical clock surounted by an eagle and resting between two recumbent lions. Mounted on a plinth on top of a black marble base whose front is ornamented with a gilded classical frieze extending across its full width. The clock dial is gilded with Roman numerals.
The cast relief across the base is based on Charles Heathcote Tatham's engraving of the Aldobrandini relief, from his "Etchings Representing the Best Examples of Ancient Ornamental Architecture" (1799). Such reliefs were manufactured under the direction of Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy, who dealt in decorative furniture and ormolu imported from Paris, particularly from the bronze manufacturer Pierre-Maximilien Delafontaine.
The cast relief across the base is based on Charles Heathcote Tatham's engraving of the Aldobrandini relief, from his "Etchings Representing the Best Examples of Ancient Ornamental Architecture" (1799). Such reliefs were manufactured under the direction of Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy, who dealt in decorative furniture and ormolu imported from Paris, particularly from the bronze manufacturer Pierre-Maximilien Delafontaine.
InscriptionsInscribed on the back of the clock face: "Vulliamy London 510"
ProvenanceNovember 19, 1985, anonymous sale (Fine Watches and Clocks), Phillips, London, lot 36. H. Blairman and Sons, Ltd., London. Purchased by Horace Wood Brock, New York and Gloucester, MA; 2012, year-end gift of Horace Wood Brock to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 27, 2013)