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Lot Essay
This finely executed gilt bronze clock is an excellent example of the late 18th century and early 19th century French enthusiasm for leading figures of early American democracy, such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Made for the American market, this clock was created during the period following George Washington's death in 1799. The surmounted figure of George Washington is based on John Trumbull's 1792 painting Washington Before the Battle of Trenton (Yale University Art Gallery). Engravings after the picture were widely distributed throughout France, making it possible for highly trained French sculptors to create an elegantly fluid three-dimensional model of this American icon.
Jean-Baptiste Dubuc (b. 1743), a Parisian bronzier, was active from 1790 to 1819. A member of several Masonic lodges in Paris, Dubuc is believed to have been a prominent freemason, like Washington. Between 1806 and 1817, he is listed at rue Michel-le-compte, a neighborhood which at the time was populated by bronze workers rather than clockmakers.
While many versions of this timepiece exist in the market, this particular clock represents the upper tier in terms of quality and size. A nearly identical model is part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum, measuring 19 inches high and 14 1/8 inches wide. The two clocks share the same high quality craftsmanship: the exquisite details on Washington's clothing, the fluidly elegant body stance and the finely executed figural frieze to the base. Modeled to resemble the emblem on the great Seal, the eagle is balanced on an orb, clutching arrows and an olive branch in his talons. He is shown with upraised wingtips, and his head turns to the right towards Washington. Two nearly identical models of the clock were sold at Sotheby's New York, October 13, 2000, lot 269 and January 16-17, 1999, lot 709. Similar models of the clock have sold at auction, however there are crucial differences in the size and details. The smaller versions measure only 15 inches high, depict a more mature likeness of Washington and lack the figural frieze to the base. One such example sold at Christie's New York, June 18, 1998, lot 165.
Jean-Baptiste Dubuc (b. 1743), a Parisian bronzier, was active from 1790 to 1819. A member of several Masonic lodges in Paris, Dubuc is believed to have been a prominent freemason, like Washington. Between 1806 and 1817, he is listed at rue Michel-le-compte, a neighborhood which at the time was populated by bronze workers rather than clockmakers.
While many versions of this timepiece exist in the market, this particular clock represents the upper tier in terms of quality and size. A nearly identical model is part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum, measuring 19 inches high and 14 1/8 inches wide. The two clocks share the same high quality craftsmanship: the exquisite details on Washington's clothing, the fluidly elegant body stance and the finely executed figural frieze to the base. Modeled to resemble the emblem on the great Seal, the eagle is balanced on an orb, clutching arrows and an olive branch in his talons. He is shown with upraised wingtips, and his head turns to the right towards Washington. Two nearly identical models of the clock were sold at Sotheby's New York, October 13, 2000, lot 269 and January 16-17, 1999, lot 709. Similar models of the clock have sold at auction, however there are crucial differences in the size and details. The smaller versions measure only 15 inches high, depict a more mature likeness of Washington and lack the figural frieze to the base. One such example sold at Christie's New York, June 18, 1998, lot 165.