Clock · Crucifix table clock

Horloge de table en forme de crucifix, Ilario Allodi à Parme

Partially verified

This crucifix-form table clock features a movement signed by Ilario Allodi of Parma. The structure consists of an ebonized hexagonal wooden base fitted with six framed glazed viewing apertures revealing parts of the movement. Above the base, flanked by gilt bronze figures of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rises a tall gilt bronze cross displaying Christ crucified below an 'INRI' scroll. Time indication is twofold: an upper rotating globe at the summit indicating six hours and a circular white enamel dial set horizontally into the base marked for twelve hours. The mechanism features two barrels, a cylinder escapement, and striking on hours and half-hours.

Front view of the crucifix table clock showing the gilt bronze figures, cross, and ebonized hexagonal base — Proantic / Orologeria Aurili. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.proantic.com
Category: Clock · Crucifix table clock
Maker / attribution: Ilario Allodi
Reference: 1346696
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: 18ème siècle
Country: Italy

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 Sculptural Iconography

The clock is constructed as a devotional calvary set upon a hexagonal ebonized wood base with small glazed openings on its six sides intended to reveal movement details. Surmounting the base are gilt bronze figures representing the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene flanking a central gilt bronze cross bearing Christ crucified, topped with an "INRI" inscription above the head of Christ.

Visual observation indicates that the hexagonal base rests upon small turned metal feet and incorporates framed rectangular viewing apertures on each face, while the upper horizontal surface surrounding the base dial is embellished with a checkered or parquetry-like metal plate.

Evidence for this section

“La base de l'horloge, de forme hexagonale, est réalisée en bois ébénisé, avec six faces présentant de petites ouvertures conçues pour montrer les détails du mouvement interne.”
“deux figures en bronze doré représentent la Vierge Marie et Marie Madeleine.”
“Le point central du calvaire est la croix centrale, également en bronze doré, avec le Christ crucifié.”
“avec une inscription "INRI" placée au-dessus de la tête du Christ.”
“The hexagonal base rests on turned metal feet and features glazed rectangular side panels with brass or gilt frames.”
“The upper surface of the base is decorated with a checkered or parquetry-style metallic plate around the horizontal dial.”

Dual Dial Displays and Mechanism

Time indication is provided in two distinct locations: a rotating globe at the top of the cross calibrated for a six-hour period, and a horizontal circular white enamel dial calibrated for twelve hours located on the upper surface of the base.

According to the source, the movement is signed by Ilario Allodi of Parma and follows a French layout. It is fitted with two barrels, a cylinder escapement, and a striking train sounding the hours and half-hours, though internal plates and escapement details remain only partially visible through the side windows.

Evidence for this section

“Au sommet de la croix se trouve un globe indiquant les heures sur une période de six heures, tandis qu'à la base se trouve un cadran émaillé blanc à douze heures.”
“Le mouvement de l'horloge, signé par Ilario Allodi de Parme, suit une disposition française.”
“Il est équipé de deux barillets, d'un échappement à cylindre et d'une sonnerie marquant les heures et les demi-heures.”

Maker Context and Chronological Discrepancies

The dealer references Enrico Morpurgo's 'Dictionnaire des Horlogers Italiens', which records Ilario Allodi as having built a "Calvaire" type clock with a cylinder escapement in Parma circa 1800, as well as a horizontal clock positioned next to a cross.

A date discrepancy exists between the listing metadata (which assigns the piece to the 18th century) and Morpurgo's cited reference placing Allodi's calvary clock to circa 1800, leaving the precise period of manufacture unresolved in the present documentation.

Evidence for this section

“Dans le Dictionnaire des Horlogers Italiens , écrit par Enrico Morpurgo, Ilario Allodi est mentionné comme ayant construit vers 1800 à Parme une horloge de type "Calvaire" avec échappement à cylindre.”
“Allodi a également réalisé une horloge horizontale avec une croix à côté.”
“Epoque : 18ème siècle”

Open research questions

How does the internal mechanical transmission link the base movement to the rotating six-hour globe at the summit of the cross?
Does the signature or layout on the movement plates correspond directly to the specific circa 1800 calvary clock documented by Morpurgo, or to an unrecorded sibling piece?
What specific striking mechanism (countwheel or rack) is utilized in the movement to sound the reported hours and half-hours?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Horloge de table en forme de crucifix, Ilario Allodi à Parme
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker Signature	Ilario Allodi de Parme	“Le mouvement de l'horloge, signé par Ilario Allodi de Parme, suit une disposition française.”
Escapement	Cylinder escapement	“Il est équipé de deux barillets, d'un échappement à cylindre et d'une sonnerie marquant les heures et les demi-heures.”
Base Material and Form	Hexagonal ebonized wood base	“La base de l'horloge, de forme hexagonale, est réalisée en bois ébénisé, avec six faces présentant de petites ouvertures conçues pour montrer les détails du mouvement interne.”
Figural Bronze Elements	Gilt bronze Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Christ crucified	“deux figures en bronze doré représentent la Vierge Marie et Marie Madeleine.”
Dials and Indications	Top six-hour globe and twelve-hour horizontal white enamel base dial	“Au sommet de la croix se trouve un globe indiquant les heures sur une période de six heures, tandis qu'à la base se trouve un cadran émaillé blanc à douze heures.”
Dimensions	50 cm height, 20 cm length, 17 cm width	“Longueur : 20 Largeur : 17 Hauteur : 50”
Movement Layout	French disposition	“Le mouvement de l'horloge, signé par Ilario Allodi de Parme, suit une disposition française.”
Stated Dimensions	Height 50 cm, length 20 cm, width 17 cm	“Longueur : 20 Largeur : 17 Hauteur : 50”
Biographical Citation	Enrico Morpurgo's Dictionnaire des Horlogers Italiens	“Dans le Dictionnaire des Horlogers Italiens , écrit par Enrico Morpurgo, Ilario Allodi est mentionné comme ayant construit vers 1800 à Parme une horloge de type "Calvaire" avec échappement à cylindre.”

Visible details

The hexagonal base rests on turned metal feet and features glazed rectangular side panels with brass or gilt frames.
The upper surface of the base is decorated with a checkered or parquetry-style metallic plate around the horizontal dial.
A spherical finial or indicator globe terminates the cross above the INRI banner.

Research qualifications

Internal movement plates and escapement details are only partially visible through the side windows in the images provided.
The source cites Enrico Morpurgo dating a calvary clock by Allodi to circa 1800, whereas the listing field dates it generally to the 18th century.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Horloge de table en forme de crucifix, mouvement signé Allod

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8ebe87d815

Terms in this record

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