Rare Swinging Mystery Clock Set
by Auguste Louis Mathurin Moreau (1834-1917)

~ French - Circa 1900 ~

~~ Excellent original condition, fully overhauled ~~

A very rare original antique French swinging mystery clock set. Stunning Art Nouveau figures by the well known and listed sculptor Auguste Louis Mathurin Moreau. They are elegantly and gracefully modelled, holding flowers, the clock is entitled fleur des prés, she holds the large pendulum aloft which swings gently to-and-fro. The mystery is how the pendulum keeps swinging with no apparent means of momentum. The secret is that this is a compound pendulum, a small, heavy pendulum swings in harmony inside the bronzed sphere to actuate the movement. The side figures are entitled fleur des vallées and also fleur des prés, all with the impressed mark of Auguste Moreau to the bases. Beautifully modelled in bronze patinated metal and in lovely original condition with a stunning original finish. Bases are red variegated marble with gilt brass socles.

Auguste Louis Marthurin Moreau was born in Dijon in 1834 and died in Malesherbes in 1917 being the youngest son of sculptor and painter Jean-Baptiste Moreau. He studied under his father and also with Aimé Millet, Augustin Drumont and Jean Thomas. Each of the three Moreau brothers, Hippolyte, Marthurin and Auguste, have become renowned for the quality and the beauty of their figurative work. Auguste himself is particularly known for his Art Noveau style figures with his subjects being primarily young maidens sensuously clad in a swirling diaphanous dress and usually decorated with flowers and birds or allegorical and genre scenes incorporating cupids and young children. His style was realistic and graceful, revealing his relation to the other members of the Moreau family. His compositions encapsulate a feeling of innocence. In 1861 Auguste made his debut at the Salon where he would exhibit regularly until 1913.

The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. It has the serial number on the movement backplate which is also on the inside of the bronze sphere and unusually marked on some of the castings. It runs for 8 days, click the video clip below to watch the clock running!

Condition is excellent, the patinated finish of the figures is in excellent original condition, just some occasional marks or discolouration and a couple of tiny areas of touching in, specifically on one arm and one hand. The bronzed finish of the pendulum is also very good, some marks and loss of finish to the upper sphere and the silver steel rods of the pendulum are very slightly pitted. Gilt brass is very good, clean and bright. The marble base of the clock has a very small chip. A stunning and rare set to add to your collection!

Complete with a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.