H. HOUDEBINE Greek Revival trim by H.Houdebine Dial...

H. HOUDEBINE Greek Revival trim by H.Houdebine Dial signed H. Houdebine, Fabricant de Bronzes, Rue de Turenne 64, Paris and movement signed Japy Frères & Cie - Médaille d'Honneur France Circa 1867 Bronze with two patinas, porcelain Pendulum - Height: 50 cm; Width: 28 cm; Depth: 17 cm Candlesticks - Height: 25.5 cm; Diameter: 11 cm Beautiful Greek-style set comprising a clock and a pair of candlesticks. The two-patina bronze clock, topped by a covered vase, is adorned with porcelain plaques depicting faces and attributes of the Arts. The Roman numerals on the dial are set in laurel wreaths. Mounted on bracket feet, supported by a base, the ensemble rests on four claw feet. The accompanying candlesticks are in two-tone bronze, finely chased with small flowers and water leaves. Biography Henri Houdebine founded his own company in 1845, where he earned a fine reputation in the manufacture of decorative bronzes and clocks. His works, judged to be of the highest quality, were inspired by, among other styles, the neo-Greek decorative repertoire, which was very fashionable in the 1860s. His work was an immediate hit with the public, and by 1855, it was estimated that 50% of his production was exported. Houdebine settled at 64, rue de Turenne, between 1865 and 1880. He participated brilliantly in several World's Fairs, such as those held in Paris in 1855, where he was awarded a 2nd class medal for cups and statuettes, in London in 1862, and again in Paris in 1867, 1878 and 1889, where he won a gold medal for all his exhibited works. Houdebine was again present at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, exhibiting torchères, clocks and even a few sculptures. Bibliography Les bronzes du XIXe siècle, P. Kjellberg, Les Ed. de l'amateur, 1989, p° 661. Catalog officiel, Exposition Universelle de 1862, London, 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.