Empire Pendule La Lieuse - The Reader

Dimensions: H x W x D: 32 x 30 x 15 cm

Description:
The pendule "La Lieuse" is probably the most famous clock, by the sculptor and bronze caster Jean-Andre Reiche, who was born in Leipzig and became famous in Paris.

It depicts a young woman - The Reader - La Lieuse. She is sitting on a finely crafted Empire armchair, which is elaborately decorated with acanthus tendrils and palmettes. Behind the armchair we see a stack of books.
The woman is seated at a table supported by lion paws, in which the clockwork and front dial are mounted. The oil lamp on the table provides light.

The popularity of this clock has many reasons. It has a beautiful size and a balanced composition. The interplay of the green veined marble and the fire-gilded bronze is contrasting and attractive. The clock appears noble but not too ostentatious.
The bronze reflects an important theme of the early 19th century - women's education.

The movement is a French pendulum movement with a duration of one week. The pendulum is suspended on a thread, as was usual at the time. The speed is regulated by a knurled disc on the back of the movement. The chiming movement strikes on the half and full hour.
The dial behind glass has simple, blued Breguet hands and Arabic numerals. In the centre of the lower section we see the signature. The Le Blancs belong to a watchmaking family that was famous in Paris in the 18th and 19th centuries. With the signature found here Blanc Fils Palais Royal was signed from 1807-1825.

Condition:
Very nice condition.
The movement has been thoroughly cleaned and overhauled. It runs perfectly.