French Polychrome Figural Swinging Mystery Clock

French Polychrome Figural Swinging Mystery Clock

France, circa 1890–1905

4 week duration

A finely modeled late nineteenth-century French swinging mystery timepiece, the patinated and polychrome female figure portrayed in elaborate Orientalist dress and holding aloft a flaming ceremonial vessel, from which is suspended a long compound gridiron-style pendulum terminating in a spherical clock case. The bronze-toned sphere is applied with Arabic hour numerals and fitted with pierced gilt hands, the clock movement concealed within the suspended assembly to produce the characteristic “mystery” swinging action.

The figure retains an unusually rich decorative treatment incorporating dark patination, translucent crimson costume panels and gilt jewelry and ornament. Raised on a molded circular pedestal and an associated black marble plinth.