BY PLANCHON, THE PORCELAIN SAMSON, LATE 19TH CENTURY

This whimsical mantel clock is based on the Sèvres model known as vase pendule à dauphins produced at the prestigious factory circa 1775 and of which three examples are extant: one at Sèvres, Citè de la céramique, one formerly in the Hector Binney Collection and another which was in Louis XV's apartments at Versailles, sold Christie's, London, 4 July 2013, lot 22 (£433,875). Believed to be delivered to Versailles is the year of its production, it was almost certainly installed in the Cabinet des bains of Louis XV. Designed by architect Ange Jacques Gabriel, the cabinet was an exuberantly-decorated chamber with walls gilded in bas-relief with aquatic motifs and entwined spouting dolphins similar to those on the present clock.
This 19th century example by Planchon features porcelain by Samson, who excelled in imitating traditional styles, including Sèvres style wares. The dolphins in this version are cast in ormolu, rather than the original porcelain composition, which together with the marble and ormolu-mounted base evoke the grandeur of decorations in late 19th century. Notably, a clock of this model in blue ceramic was supplied by Louis-Auguste-Alfred Beurdeley to Henri d'Orléans, duc d'Aumale (d. 1897) for the Château de Chantilly (C. Mestdagh, L'ameublement d'art français:1850-1900, Paris, 2010, p. 88).