Marcus Tempus Collection
Horological Record
A detailed record of this clock’s origin, movement, decorative subject and historical character.
Selected Antique Clock
French Crystal Waterfall Automaton Clock
Paris, France · Circa 1835
- Origin
- Paris, France
- Date
- Circa 1835
- Clockmaking Tradition
- French Parisian
- Movement
- Silk suspension
- Strike
- Half-hour strike on bell
- Automaton
- Crystal waterfall
- Decorative Subject
- The Bee and the Orange Tree
- Period
- Early nineteenth century
Historical Context
Historical Background
A captivating example of French Parisian clockmaking, this remarkable automaton clock combines horology, sculpture and theatrical movement. Its crystal waterfall mechanism reflects the nineteenth-century taste for elaborate decorative clocks designed to entertain as well as mark the passing of time.
The Story Depicted
The Decorative Subject
The composition depicts the conclusion of the French fairy tale The Bee and the Orange Tree, in which a benevolent fairy removes the enchantment placed upon Prince Orange Tree and Aimée the Bee, allowing the lovers to be reunited.