The Chariot of Ceres
Period: Early 19th century
Pendulum in the shape of the chariot of Ceres, pulled by two oxen, in patinated bronze and finely chiseled and mercury-gilded bronze. The ring dial is enameled in blue, white, and gold and is signed HILAIRE BASSEREAU. The octagonal base is decorated with agricultural trophies and a crown of ears of wheat, with spinning top-shaped feet. Dimensions: H. 42 cm - W. 44 cm - D. 13.5 cm Hilaire Bassereau, clockmaker, mechanic to the Emperor. Presumably a student of Lépine. Established at the Palais Royal. Comparative bibliography: Pierre Kjellberg "Encyclopédie de la Pendule Française" Editions de l'amateur, Paris, 1997, page 419.