Louis XVI Period Clock "the Mourner" Attributed To The Bronzier François Vion

Gilt bronze clock with the theme of melancholy, called "the mourner" or "pain" or "the return of love" .

The mourner or "pain" is the title given to the drawing by the bronzier François Vion in the collection of designs, models of clocks 1775-1780. under number 104 The work is kept in the INHA library. (see photo)
The theme could be inspired by the painting "Young girl crying for her dead bird" from 1765 by Jean-Baptiste Creuse.

It is a Louis XVI period clock in mercury gilt bronze depicting a draped, melancholic woman mourning the disappearance of a bird symbolizing lost love and Cupid holding out a bird to her that he holds in his hands. The terminal receiving the movement is decorated with 4 applied spandrels and topped with a ewer and branches. The sides of the terminal are glazed, revealing the movement.
The oblong base with a projection is decorated with openwork plant scrolls and heart-shaped motifs. The clock rests on a white marble base matching the shape of the base and supported by four flattened feet.

The movement, of fine quality, is equipped with a rare double lever escapement, a "chevlalier de Béthume à enfourchement" escapement. It strikes the hours and half hours. The suspension is wire. The dial is in white enamel with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. It is signed ROCHAN in Paris.

Height 40 cm,
width: 33 cm,
depth 17 cm.
Early Louis XVI period around 1775, the dial and hands still mark the transition period.

Condition report: The clock is in very good general condition. Period mercury gilding in a remarkable state of preservation. tiny repairs to the winding squares (a few millimeters, reversible). Good working condition of the movement and the chime. Small defect during casting in the hollow of the drapery. Movement revised on 01:08:2025.

References: Several clocks under the same theme are interpreted differently. We know of 4 models referenced as being or attributed to the Bronzier François Vion in:
- the encyclopedia of the French clock by P Kjellberg page 246
- By Ottomeyer and Proschel page 247 - French bronze clock by Elke NIEHUSER page 134 (the same model as our clock)
- Dumonthier (Ernest), Les bronzes du Mobilier national, pendules et cartels, 1911, pl. 18 n° 1
- Bronze and crystal by Dupuy-Baylet (Marie-France), 2020, p.38-39

Shipping: We will ensure secure and careful packaging. Shipping will be via UPS or DHL. Photos of the clock during all stages of packaging will be sent to the buyer before shipping. Insurance will be taken out for the amount of the sale.

Ref: Y2BTTT0FO1