Rheims Cathedral clock, France

fire-gilded bronze and rosewood
24-1/2″ h., ca, 1830
clock case – Bavozet Frères et Soeur
clock works – Villemsens a Paris
Paris

 

In the first part of the 19^th century, a variety of Parisian horologists marketed very elaborately detailed table clocks turned out as the facades of French Gothic cathedrals, including principally Rheims Cathedral, but also the cathedrals of Notre Dame de Paris and Rouen. With these clocks, the remarkable bronze cases were purchased from the Paris firm Bavozet Freres et Soeur (we’ve uncovered no other source), while the works and base (if included) were made in the seller’s shop or sourced elsewhere.

This extraordinary, ca. 1830, ormolu clock, in the form of the façade of Rheims Cathedral, is set atop an almost equally fine inlaid rosewood base which originally supported a glass dome. Below its dial, the clock is marked F. Villemsens a Paris.

The Illustrated Exhibiter, a guide to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, places this maker’s accomplishments alongside those of fellow Parisian Christophe, saying the wares shown “justify completely the honours awarded to their workmanship in the French Industrial Exhibitions of the year 1844 and 1849”. As did other shops, Villemsens offered the range of decorative metalwork, including other clocks, tableware, etc..

It is, however, the very highly-rendered case that is at the center of our focus. This is made with remarkably fidelity to the original, whose construction began in the 13^th century. Perhaps our favorite detail with this case is the Gallery of the Kings, stretching across the façade at the base of the tower, portraying the baptism of Clovis, the first French king, who is flanked by his successors.

This clock is 24” high, including its rosewood base, and retains its original fire-gilded bronze finish.