17th Sep, 2025 11:00
A French Empire bronze, gilt bronze and griotte d'Italie marble mantel clock, by Antoine-André Ravrio (1759 - 1814), the white enamel dial inscribed 'Ravrio/ Bronzier à Paris' and 'Mesnil Hr', and with Roman Numerals and Arabic calendar numerals, Breguet hour and minute hands, the case depicting Virgil with a stylus and scroll looking at a bust of Homer on the dial case with wreath and ribbon tie mounts, on a red marble base with gilt bronze plaque depicting Virgil reading the Aeneid before Augustus and Livia, with Octavia fainting behind, the whole on part reeded pad feet, the French twin train movement with silk suspension and count-wheel striking on a bell, movement 11 cm diameter, case 65 cm high, 42.5 cm wide
Footnote:
A similar example of this clock is retained by Sweden's Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and is titled 'Allegory of the Poet's Art'.
£4,000 - £6,000
Buyer's premium: 27.50% +VAT
A French Empire bronze, gilt bronze and griotte d'Italie marble mantel clock, by Antoine-André Ravrio (1759 - 1814), the white enamel dial inscribed 'Ravrio/ Bronzier à Paris' and 'Mesnil Hr', and with Roman Numerals and Arabic calendar numerals, Breguet hour and minute hands, the case depicting Virgil with a stylus and scroll looking at a bust of Homer on the dial case with wreath and ribbon tie mounts, on a red marble base with gilt bronze plaque depicting Virgil reading the Aeneid before Augustus and Livia, with Octavia fainting behind, the whole on part reeded pad feet, the French twin train movement with silk suspension and count-wheel striking on a bell, movement 11 cm diameter, case 65 cm high, 42.5 cm wide
ProvenanceFootnote:
A similar example of this clock is retained by Sweden's Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and is titled 'Allegory of the Poet's Art'.
Some chips and wear to the edge of the enamelled dial, and some scratches to the centre. Some tarnishing of the case. Slight chipping to the edges of the matrble. Door for movement enclosure missing, Silk suspension requires replacement. Lot includes a pendulum, but no key. The movement has not been tested.
Auction: Dawsons Discovery, 17th Sep, 2025
Join us for our inaugural Dawsons Discovery sale, showcasing an eclectic mix of collectables — from ceramics, bronzes, and decorative art to WWII medals, rare music memorabilia from The Beatles and The Smiths, fine wine, whisky, and more.
Please note: This is an online sale only; there are no bidders in the room.
Dawsons are proud members of the Art Loss Register, so you can buy with confidence.
All items with an upper estimate value equal to or above £1,500 in this catalogue are searched against the ALR database.
Viewing
In person at our saleroom:
Unit 8 Cordwallis Business Park, Clivemont Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7BU
Friday 12th September - 10am-5pm
Monday 15th September - 10am-5pm
Tuesday 16th September - 10am-5pm
For jewellery and small unbreakable items, within the UK we offer either Royal Mail Special Delivery postage up to £2500 in value, or scheduled courier delivery for values above - please contact us to arrange shipping to your door.
International Buyers: Please contact recommended shippers below:
Mailboxes (MBE): 01628 633336 maidenhead@centres.mbe.uk
Sackville-West: 02080 909988 office@sackvillewest.co.uk
Pack & Send Reading: 0118 958 4498 reading@packsend.co.uk
ThePackengers: 0203 154 4363 hellolondon@thepackengers.com
