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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Empire mantel clock 'The African nurse'

Partially verified

This Empire-period mantel clock features a sculptured figural composition in chiseled, gilded, and patinated bronze representing 'The African nurse'. The dial case is sculpted to resemble a bundle of sugar cane bordered by a braided rope and is carried overhead by a dark patinated female figure with enameled eyes. She wears a gilded feather-patterned headdress, armbands, and loincloth, supporting a sleeping child in a sling hung about her neck. The figure rests upon a stepped oval gilded bronze plinth applied with tied shell and reed ornament and raised on small feet. The white circular dial displays Roman hour numerals and dual winding apertures.

Front view of the Empire gilded and patinated bronze mantel clock depicting the nurse supporting the drum dial
Front view of the Empire gilded and patinated bronze mantel clock depicting the nurse supporting the drum dial — Antiquité du Baron Bouvier / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
421501
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Composition and Iconography

This clock is composed of chiseled, gilded, and patinated bronze, featuring a figural representation described as 'The African nurse'. The female figure, noted to have enameled eyes, wears a headdress and loincloth styled to imitate feathers.

The figure supports the clock housing overhead. A secondary figure of a sleeping child is positioned in a basket, suspended by a chain around the nurse's neck and draped beneath a blanket.

Evidence for this section
  • “chiseled bronze, gilded and patinated”
  • “represents "The African nurse"”
  • “the headdress and the loincloth imitating feathers”
  • “She hung around her neck by a chain, her young child sleeping in a basket under her blanket”

Dial and Base Construction

The dial is housed within a sculptural element shaped as a bundle of sugar cane, enclosed by a braided rope border.

The structural assembly rests upon an oval base decorated with relief ornaments of shells and reeds.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is inscribed in a bundle of sugar cane, surrounded by a braided rope.”
  • “Oval base with shell and reeds.”

Documentation and Provenance

The source designates the piece to the Empire period and the 19th century.

Information regarding the maker, country of origin, technical specifications of the movement, or the mechanical status of the clock is not recorded in the source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Empire period.”
  • “19th century”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific horological characteristics or signatures of the movement, if any are present?
  • Are there archival records linking this 'African nurse' model to specific 19th-century bronze foundries or clockmakers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Empire mantel clock 'The African nurse'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material and FinishChiseled, gilded and patinated bronze“chiseled bronze, gilded and patinated”
SubjectThe African nurse“represents "The African nurse"”
Dial SurroundBundle of sugar cane with braided rope“The dial is inscribed in a bundle of sugar cane, surrounded by a braided rope.”
BaseOval base with shell and reeds“Oval base with shell and reeds.”
PeriodEmpire period“Empire period.”
MaterialChiseled, gilded, and patinated bronze“chiseled bronze, gilded and patinated”

Visible details

  • Circular white dial with Roman numerals, fine outer minute track, and two winding apertures.
  • Dark patinated bronze female figure supporting the clock drum overhead with both arms raised.
  • Figure wears gilded armbands, a feather-textured crown, and a gilded feather-like loincloth.
  • A child rests in a gilded sling draped across the figure's chest.
  • Oval gilded bronze base mounted with a relief ribbon, shell, and reed motif, resting on small round feet.

Research qualifications

  • Movement specifications, maker signatures, and country of manufacture are not stated by the source.
  • Movement condition and rear assembly are not detailed in the supplied text or front image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Proantic: Pendule Aux Negres - The Nanny

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c2baac7915

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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