Lot Essay
Louis Recordon is recorded working on Greek Street (Soho) from 1778 to 1824. He was also the agent for the great French horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823). In 1796, he took over Josiah Emery's business and went into partnership with Paul Dupont in the same year. Although he retired soon after, the Recordon firm carried on the business until 1816 when it was succeeded by Des Granges. Cedric Jagger (Royal Clocks, The British Monarchy and its Timekeepers, London, 1983, p.207) notes that the late H.R.H. Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, owned a table clock by Recordon that was also quarter striking on two bells.
The bronze group depicts the Old testament story of Susannah and the Elders. Spied upon by two elders while bathing, Susannah is threatened with a charge of adultery unless she submits to their lust. Refusing to be blackmailed, she is arrested and about to be put to death when Daniel, a young man, comes to her rescue. He shows the elders' story to be false and it is they who are put to death instead.
The bronze group depicts the Old testament story of Susannah and the Elders. Spied upon by two elders while bathing, Susannah is threatened with a charge of adultery unless she submits to their lust. Refusing to be blackmailed, she is arrested and about to be put to death when Daniel, a young man, comes to her rescue. He shows the elders' story to be false and it is they who are put to death instead.