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Lot Essay
Cf. Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, "Le Temps de Cartier", Wrist International S.r.l., Milan, 1989, page 187
The House of Cartier's fascination with Egypt started in the 19th Century. Yet, it was only circa 1910 that the production of the most inspired objects began. The 1920s witnessed prolific creation of Egyptian-inspired masterpieces such as the Sarcophagus vanity case and the Temple Gate clock, produced in 1925 and 1927 respectively.
Louis Cartier, an avid collector of ancient jewellery and objets, had the inspiration to incorporate fragments of such pieces into his creations. The most frequently used in the Egyptian-style were ancient faience motifs such as scarabs. The antique bronze figure on this clock is more rare. Possibly an ornament for a sarcophagus, it depicts a king, an attribution which may be deduced from the inward turning serpent on the headpiece which represented royalty in ancient Egypt. The manner in which the figure is wrapped, suggesting mummification, points to the fact that the King is defunct. His beard, the symbol for royalty, is unusual due to its ribbing. Not a real beard, it was part of ceremonial costume which was attached to the face by a string behind the ears.
The House of Cartier's fascination with Egypt started in the 19th Century. Yet, it was only circa 1910 that the production of the most inspired objects began. The 1920s witnessed prolific creation of Egyptian-inspired masterpieces such as the Sarcophagus vanity case and the Temple Gate clock, produced in 1925 and 1927 respectively.
Louis Cartier, an avid collector of ancient jewellery and objets, had the inspiration to incorporate fragments of such pieces into his creations. The most frequently used in the Egyptian-style were ancient faience motifs such as scarabs. The antique bronze figure on this clock is more rare. Possibly an ornament for a sarcophagus, it depicts a king, an attribution which may be deduced from the inward turning serpent on the headpiece which represented royalty in ancient Egypt. The manner in which the figure is wrapped, suggesting mummification, points to the fact that the King is defunct. His beard, the symbol for royalty, is unusual due to its ribbing. Not a real beard, it was part of ceremonial costume which was attached to the face by a string behind the ears.