A Neo-Greek Clock Set, H. Houdebine, France circa 1867

A NEO-GREEK CLOCK SET

Dial signed H. Houdebine, Fabricant de Bronzes, Rue de Turenne 64, Paris

Clockwork signed Japy Frères & Cie – Médaille d’Honneur

France
Circa 1867


Clock / Height : 50 cm (19 2/3 in.) ; Width : 28 cm (11 in.) ; Depth : 17 cm (6 2/6 in.)
Candlesticks / Height : 25,5 cm (10 in.) ; Diameter : 11 cm (4 1/3 in.)

A very fine neo-Greek style clock set made up of a clock and a pair of candlesticks. The clock executed in two patina bronze is surmounted by a covered vase and is decorated with porcelain plaques depicting female faces and Art attributes. The Roman numerals on the dial are framed with laurel wreaths. Raised on console feet and a base, the whole reposing on four claw feet. The ensuite pair of two patina bronze candlesticks is finely chased with small flowers and water leaves.

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BIOGRAPHY

Henri Houdebine founded his company in 1845. He gained a great reputation in the making of clocks and decorative bronze pieces. His works, appreciated for their high artistic quality, took inspiration from various styles, including the neo-Greek style, very fashionable with artists in the 1860s. His work was immediatedly successful with the public, and one can say from 1862, that 50% of his production was exported. Houdebine set up his workshops at number 64, rue de Turenne, in Paris during the period 1865-1880. He participated magnificently in several Universal Exhibitions, such those held in Paris in 1855, where he was awarded a 2nd class medal for his statuettes and display cups, in London in 1862, and again in Paris in 1878 and 1889, where he won a Gold medal for his all the works he exhibited. Houdebine participated finally in the Chicago Universal Exhibition of 1893, where he presented splendid cressets, clocks and some sculptures.

Bibliography :
- Les bronzes du XIXe siècle, P. Kjellberg, Les Ed. de l'amateur, 1989, p° 661.
- Catalogue officiel, Exposition Universelle de 1862, Londres, Section française, B.A.D., t. XI, Classe 31, p° 205.
- Exposition Universelle de 1889 : Liste des récompenses attribuées aux exposants, Journal Officiel, Paris, 1889, Classe 25.