Claude Galle – Bronzer

Thomas – Clockmaker

Dubuisson – Dial Enameller.

c.1812 French ormolu, patinated and variegated green marble mantle clock. A female figure reads while casually leaning on the clock. The sides of the clock have typical Galle style acanthus leaf decorative elements and the front carries a freeze that depicts father time and the personification of study.

One of the foremost bronziers and fondeur-ciseleurs of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods, Claude Galle was born at Villepreux near Versailles. He served his apprenticeship in Paris under the fondeur Pierre Foy, and in 1784 married Foy’s daughter. In 1786 he became a maitre-fondeur. After the death of  his father-in-law in 1788, Galle took over his workshop, soon turning it into one the finest, and employing approximately 400 craftsmen. Galle moved to Quai de la Monnaie (later Quai de l’Unité), and then in 1805 to 60 Rue Vivienne.

This clockmaker, who signed “Thomas à Paris”, often worked with the bronze caster Claude Galle. This Parisian clockmaker was active during the latter part of the 18^th century and the early years of the following century.

Etienne Gobin, known as Dubuisson, was one of the most talented Parisian enamellers of the reign of Louis XVI and the Empire period.

Spring dated 1812.