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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock with automatons

Grande orologio a teca con quadrante dipinto e automi

Partially verified

This wall clock, cataloged as a large case clock with a display case, originates from France and dates to 1851. The construction features a large oil painting on a panel that depicts the Crystal Palace in London, referencing the work of George Hawkins. The clock section, positioned at the top of the frame, incorporates an enamel dial featuring Roman numerals in blue and is fitted with gilded bronze hands. The piece includes an integrated automaton mechanism designed to simulate figures walking through the park surrounding the Crystal Palace. The timekeeping movement is specified as having a 15-day power reserve, with a strike train that sounds on the hour and half-hour using a gong. The overall structure measures 94 cm in height, 120 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth, and it includes a pendulum.

Wall-mounted clock and automaton display featuring an oil painting of the 1851 Crystal Palace.
Wall-mounted clock and automaton display featuring an oil painting of the 1851 Crystal Palace. — Wannenes Art Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock with automatons
Maker / attribution
Tharin Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
219
Source-reported date
1851
Source-reported place
France

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

Clockwork and Automata

The horological component of this object is a wall-mounted clock signed by Tharin Paris. The clock features an enamel dial characterized by blue Roman numerals and is equipped with gilded bronze hands. The movement provides a 15-day power reserve and includes a striking mechanism that marks the hours and half-hours on a gong. The pendulum is present with the unit.

The object incorporates an automaton display, which is integrated with the scene depicted in the primary oil painting. These mechanical figures are designed to move, simulating people walking within the grounds of the Crystal Palace during the 1851 Universal Exhibition in London. The auction description notes that the automaton mechanism is currently functional but requires technical revision to ensure proper operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “firmato Tharin Paris”
  • “Movimento 15 giorni di carica, con suoneria ore e mezze su gong.”
  • “Gli automi, simulano di passeggiare nel parco del grande Palace”
  • “meccanismo degli automi funzionante ma da revisionare.”

Case and Painting

The object is housed within a large wall-mounted structure described as a display case. The visual centerpiece is a significant oil painting on a panel, which captures a perspective of the Crystal Palace in London as it appeared in 1851. The composition is noted as being based upon the work of the artist George Hawkins.

The frame surrounding the painting and the clock is finished in a gilded, ornate style. The clock dial is positioned within the upper portion of this decorative framework. The entire assembly measures 94 cm in height by 120 cm in width, with a depth of 20 cm, presenting the painting and the automaton scene as a unified horological installation.

Evidence for this section
  • “grande cassa da parete con struttura a teca, con grande dipinto olio su pannello, raffigurante il Crystal Palace di Londra”
  • “il dipinto riprendere l'opera di Geroge Hawkins.”
  • “Nella parte superiore è presente un orologio, con quadrante in smalto con numeri romani in blu, firmato Tharin Paris, lancette in bronzo dorato.”

Reported Condition

The documentation provided by the auction house specifies that the object is in need of professional attention. Both the clock and the automaton components require a mechanical service, or 'revision,' to be fully operational. The painting depicts the original Crystal Palace structure, which is noted as having been destroyed in a 1936 fire, emphasizing the historical subject matter captured in the 1851 artwork.

No other condition reports regarding the painting surface or the gilded frame were provided in the auction data.

Evidence for this section
  • “Orologio da revisionare, meccanismo degli automi funzionante ma da revisionare.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the mechanism connecting the clock to the automata figures?
  • Are there secondary marks on the movement or the frame identifying a retailer or specific workshop beyond 'Tharin Paris'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Grande orologio a teca con quadrante dipinto e automi
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTharin Paris“firmato Tharin Paris”
Dating1851“FRANCIA 1851”
Dimensions94 cm x 120 cm x 20 cm“Alt. 94 cm, larg. 120 cm, prof. 20 cm.”
Movement Power Reserve15 days“Movimento 15 giorni di carica”
Strike TrainHour and half-hour on gong“suoneria ore e mezze su gong”
Painting ReferenceGeorge Hawkins“il dipinto riprendere l'opera di Geroge Hawkins.”
Automata FunctionSimulated movement in the park“Gli automi, simulano di passeggiare nel parco”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with blue Roman numerals
  • Gilded bronze hands
  • Oil painting on panel depicting the Crystal Palace
  • Ornate gilded frame surround

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the clock requires revision
  • The auction description reports the automaton mechanism requires revision

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

Consulted source

GRANDE OROLOGIO A TECA CON QUADRANTE DIPINTO E AUTOMI, FRANCIA 1851

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4128f46205

Terms in this record

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