Lot Essay
Related to the design in the Bibliothèque Doucet, Paris, which is attributed to the bronzier François Vion, this celebrated model of 'Pendule à Lion' is inspired by the oeuvre of Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (maître in 1735). In particular, the raised front paw, which is ultimately derived from classical prototypes, can be seen on the earlier Jacques Doucet clock signed by Saint-Germain and sold in Paris, 5-8 June 1912, lot 79.
Interestingly, in 1779 the bronzier Dartois sold his share of the workshop to his partner Sauvageot. The inventory that ensued records 'une pendule à lion...600 livres'.
A further clock of this model, incorporating a martial trophy in the medallion, with movement signed 'Meunier Le Jne AParis, No 4' and dated 1775, was sold anonymously at Christie's Monaco, 5 December 1993, lot 170 ( 499,500 F.fr - illustrated in J.-D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Paris, 1996, p.373, fig.273).
Interestingly, in 1779 the bronzier Dartois sold his share of the workshop to his partner Sauvageot. The inventory that ensued records 'une pendule à lion...600 livres'.
A further clock of this model, incorporating a martial trophy in the medallion, with movement signed 'Meunier Le Jne AParis, No 4' and dated 1775, was sold anonymously at Christie's Monaco, 5 December 1993, lot 170 ( 499,500 F.fr - illustrated in J.-D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Paris, 1996, p.373, fig.273).