Bronze-caster
(Active since 1845)

A neo-Greek clock set

Dial signed H. Houdebine, Fabricant de Bronzes, Rue de Turenne 64, Paris
and clockwork signed Japy Frères & Cie – Médaille d’Honneur

France
Circa 1867

Clock – Height : 50 cm (19,6 in.) ; Width : 28 cm (11 in.) ; Depth : 17 cm (6,7 in.)
Candlesticks – Height : 25,5 cm (10 in.) ; Diameter : 11 cm (4,3 in.)

A very fine neo-Greek style clock set made up of a clock and a pair of candlesticks. The clock executed in two patina bronze is surmounted by a covered vase and is decorated with porcelain plaques depicting female faces and Art attributes. The Roman numerals on the dial are framed with laurel wreaths. Raised on console feet and a base, the whole reposing on four claw feet. The ensuite pair of two patina bronze candlesticks is finely chased with small flowers and water leaves.

Biography

Henri Houdebine founded his company in 1845. He gained a great reputation in the making of clocks and decorative bronze pieces. His works, appreciated for their high artistic quality, took inspiration from various styles, including the neo-Greek style, very fashionable with artists in the 1860s. His work was immediately successful with the public, and one can say from 1862, that 50% of his production was exported. Houdebine set up his workshops at number 64, rue de Turenne, in Paris during the period 1865-1880. He participated magnificently in several Universal Exhibitions, such those held in Paris in 1855, where he was awarded a 2nd class medal for his statuettes and display cups, in London in 1862, and again in Paris in 1878 and 1889, where he won a Gold medal for his all the works he exhibited. Houdebine participated finally in the Chicago Universal Exhibition of 1893, where he presented splendid cressets, clocks and some sculptures.

Bibliography

Les bronzes du XIXe siècle, P. Kjellberg, Les Ed. de l’amateur, 1989, p° 661.

Catalogue officiel, Exposition Universelle de 1862, Londres, Section française, B.A.D., t. XI, Classe 31, p° 205.

Exposition Universelle de 1889 : Liste des récompenses attribuées aux exposants, Journal Officiel, Paris, 1889, Classe 25.

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