• EGYPTIAN REVIVAL MANTEL CLOCK SURMOUNTED BY BUST OF CLEOPATRA
• Movement by A. Lemaire, Paris, figural signed "Bouret sclp"
• Item # 808WXP24A

This precisely modeled and incredibly attractive work by Eutrope Bouret was likely cast during the last ten years of the nineteenth century, the quality and detail of the sculpture being exceedingly fine. The bust depicts Cleopatra with a spread eagle crown and broad ribbons draping from her hair over a richly formed garment and necklace. Etched bands wrap around her upper arms, the entire sculpture resting over a trapezoidal socle and rectangular base with an integral plaque reading "CLEOPATRE". The right side of the base is signed in script "Bouret, sculp”. The bust rests over the mantel clock it was designed to accompany with two tiny pintles allowing the bust to remain in position (but also allowing it to be easily lifted off of the clock for safe transport). The clock itself has a distinctly Gothic appeal with intricate anthemion motifs surrounding the ring turned base below an open face dial with a Roman numeral chapter ring and finely chiseled and chased bronze outer frame. Behind the pierced rear door is the brass movement with the original pendulum and bell; the movement bears the marking of A. Lemaire, Paris and is marked 2057 to match the pendulum.

Literature:

• Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, p. 136-7
• Art Bronzes, Michael Forest, p. 471
• Bronzes: Sculptors and Founders 1800-1930, Berman; extensive collection of sculptures represented, present example not included
• E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Gründ, Vol. II, p. 1025
• Ackland Art Museum, acc. no. 81.4.1

Measurements: 9" W x 10" D x 18 3/4" H

Condition Report:

Some patina wear to polychroming and gilding of both the sculpture and the clock; movement is complete but is untested and will likely need to be professionally serviced to be operational.