Rare Art Nouveau Domed Architectural Bronze Clock by Edward Caldwell

A VERY FINE ART NOUVEAU DOMED ARCHITECTURAL TABLE CLOCKEdward F. Caldwell & Co., New York, circa early 20th century | an unsigned documented exampleItem # 307PQH13X An incredibly intricate Art Nouveau table clock from the renowned firm of Edward F. Caldwell, it is a brilliant architectural work that insinuates a domed cathedral of the Renaissance. This particular clock design is catalogued in the archival records of the Smithsonian Library and Archives (Large Portfolio 84, p. 5, # A025762). It features a cast bronze finial of opposing harpies rising from cornucopia that the Caldwell firm used in several of their designs (for example, as the central motif raising a pair of candelabra branches in # A25571, Smithsonian archives, see enclosed image) situated over a domed top with applied pierced bronze elements that are intricately chiseled and bright-engraved to create a complex endlessly swirling collection of fretwork surrounding ecclesiastical imagery of classical figures, putti and angels. The fretwork in the canted corners of the dome hint at the influence of orientalism in the design process while heroes battling fantastical creatures ride horses at each corner.Raising each of the four corners of the structure are two male and two female bacchanalia figures brilliantly executed in gilded bronze, the front two flanking the circular face of the clock, this dial with raised Roman numerals over a hammered ground, the same motif of swirling foliage flowing centrally and in the spandrels of the face. The clock is raised on a base of fish-scale cove moldings over four pomegranite bun feet.The clever entwining of motifs by the designer to create a new object that embodies the essence of Art Nouveau is evident throughout the form. The classical inspirations in the heavenly imagery of the dome juxtapose brilliantly the Naturalism in the lower body of the clock. It remains an incredibly elaborate and cherished example. Measurements: 21" H x 8" D x 11 1/4" W Condition Report:Surfaces throughout are heavily worn and tarnished. The bronze elements were finished by the Caldwell firm with a pigment based patina that has largely oxidized or worn away and much of it would have originally been more of a brown hue instead of the golden hue present where patina has been relieved. Composition of the silver metal unexamined. Includes a replaced winding key. Movement is complete and generally functional, but has not been professionally cleaned or serviced. About silla | antiques & artEstablished in 2009, our 9000 square foot brick and mortar gallery is home to a carefully curated and catalogued inventory of furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display. The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone SHIPPINGWe take shipping very seriously and maintain a fully equipped in-house packing facility to professionally package these important and delicate pieces. All packaging is handled by our staff and will generally consist of:Wrapping the item in several inches of heavy-duty bubble wrap with careful attention shown to pressure points, crafting the placement of the bubble wrap in a manner that allows delicate parts of the item to remain out of harm's way.The item is then placed into a tight-fitting carton with a void fill of either peanuts, Styrofoam, bubble wrap or a combination of the three to ensure it cannot move within the cartonThat carton is then double-boxed by placing it into an outer carton 2-3" larger on all sides with a dense void fill in the gap [note, paintings are generally not double-boxed but instead have a different packing methodology to properly protect the frame from pressure]All shipments are guaranteed to arrive safely. We fully insure all shipments and in the event of damage we will handle all of the details around the claims process. You are only required to send along photos, to hold onto the damaged item and all packing materials until the claims process is resolved and we also reserve the right to require the damaged item to be shipped back to us at our expense (a prepaid label will be issued) to qualify for a refund. (Condition: Pre-Owned)