Mantel Clock with a Genius Honoring the Arts

c. 1785/1790

case: Manufactory of the duc d'Angoulême, Paris; movement: David Courvoisier and Jacques-Frédéric Houriet

Associated Names
Manufactory of the duc d'Angoulême, Paris

Sculptor

David Courvoisier

Clockmaker, French

Jacques-Frédéric Houriet

Clockmaker, French, 1743 - 1830

The sculpture depicts two angelic figures, a larger one and a smaller one, both with wings. The larger angel is leaning on a cloud, holding a stylus and a tablet, while the smaller one stands next to it, seemingly pointing towards the tablet. The sculpture is predominantly white and appears to be made from marble, with detailed and textured wings. At the center of the sculpture is a round clock, featuring black Roman numerals on a white face and gold-tone hands with a decorative ring around it. Below the clock, the base is adorned with a series of detailed bas-relief panels bordered by gold and a pink backdrop, showing various classical scenes. The entire piece sits on a flat base with ornate gold feet.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Kunsthandlung E. Heinemann K.G., Wiesbaden). possibly Major A.J. Boggs, Washington.[1] Robert Whittier [d. 1986] and Argentina Copello [d. 1984] Dudley, Bethesda, Maryland; gift 1993 from their children to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington; acquired 2014 by the National Gallery of Art.
[1] A letter dated 25 July 1950, from the Heinemann gallery to U.S. Air Force Major Boggs, in NGA curatorial files, discusses the clock and Boggs's interest in it. There is no further documentation indicating whether or not Boggs purchased the clock.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

base signed: Manufacture de Me le Duc d'Angoulême à Paris; clock signed: Courvoisier et Houriet; paraphrased Greek inscription on the book: Whoever does not welcome the art of the painter does an injustice to truth and wisdom

Wikidata ID

Q62288157

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