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Lot Essay
Enriched with finely chased figures and masterful models of lions at the base, this clock and its en suite candelabra by Raingo Frères are evocative of the finest works of art created during the Second Empire. This sumptuous garniture both references the art of the Ancien Régime – including the neoclassical sculptures of Clodion and his contemporaries – and incorporates exotic materials such as onyx, made newly available by the explorations and industries of the era.
Little is known about the French clockmaker and bronzier Raingo, who almost certainly apprenticed in Paris circa 1790. He moved to Belgium, circa 1800, probably for political reasons, and from the signatures on some of his clocks, it is known that he worked in Gand and Tournay. Later, in 1823, he is recorded as being clockmaker to the duc de Chartres. The company itself became Raingo Frères in 1825 and thereafter clocks bear their signature with various Paris addresses. The firm exhibited at many of the important exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century and was known for the fine quality of its ormolu, as evidenced by the exquisitely chased figures and models in the present garniture. An identical model of this clock by Raingo sold Christie’s, London, 23 September 2010, lot 167 (£85,250) while another sold Christie’s, London, 14 March 2013, lot 1 (£55,875).
Little is known about the French clockmaker and bronzier Raingo, who almost certainly apprenticed in Paris circa 1790. He moved to Belgium, circa 1800, probably for political reasons, and from the signatures on some of his clocks, it is known that he worked in Gand and Tournay. Later, in 1823, he is recorded as being clockmaker to the duc de Chartres. The company itself became Raingo Frères in 1825 and thereafter clocks bear their signature with various Paris addresses. The firm exhibited at many of the important exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century and was known for the fine quality of its ormolu, as evidenced by the exquisitely chased figures and models in the present garniture. An identical model of this clock by Raingo sold Christie’s, London, 23 September 2010, lot 167 (£85,250) while another sold Christie’s, London, 14 March 2013, lot 1 (£55,875).