Mantel clock case

In addition to their basic time-keeping function, most mechanical clocks were designed as interior decorative elements. When placed on a fireplace mantel, they gave rise to the name “fireplace” or “console”, because they often stood on their own console, which was a set with the clock, or a console that was part of the interior furnishings. Often the aesthetic value far exceeded the role of the mechanism; their cases were decorated with multi-figural sculptures and compositions with symbolic meaning.

The case of this Wilanów clock was made of gilded bronze and is a kind of morality play calling for useful spending of time.

On an ornately decorated empire pedestal, supported by four flattened spheres, a writing desk is placed, with a round clock face set into its front wall. Next to the piece of furniture a young man is standing and gesticulating violently in despair. At his feet there is a basket with bottles on one side and broken plates on the other.

A rectangular plaque with a relief genre scene, placed on the front wall of the pedestal, complements the representation of a man sitting at an empty table with a basket of bottles and a flask. The whole representation contains a warning – a time of drinking bouts is a wasted time, it brings only destruction. The mechanism of the clock has not survived. All that remains of it is a round dial built into the cabinet of the cabinetmaker’s desk, marked with minutes, hours and the signature of the clockmaker. There are two winding holes in the inner circle of the dial.

AK