Description
The hutch is a quintessential example of the Victorian Rococo Revival, a prominent design movement of the mid 19th century that romanticized the asymmetrical, curvilinear elegance of 18th century French rococo decorative arts. This style is characterized by the exuberant use of pierced C-scrolls, acanthus leaves, and dynamic naturalistic motifs. In this piece, the flowing, organic brass framework seamlessly integrates the figurative elements, creating a sense of restless movement and theatricality typical of the period’s finest domestic metalwork.
The incorporated figures are traditional allegorical symbols representing the various cycles of the universe and the inevitable nature of the passage of time. The rooster at the crest symbolizes the morning, heralding the dawn and the awakening of a new day. Conversely, the owl at the base represents night, darkness, and wisdom, acting as the nocturnal counterpart to the rooster and completing the 24-hour daily cycle. The central figures provide a poignant juxtaposition of the human lifespan. The cherub holding the pocket watch clock represents birth, innocence, and the brevity of life, acting as a divine guardian of the hours. It is counterbalanced below by Father Time, personified as an elderly winged man holding a scythe, representing mortality and the final harvest, and symbolizing the constant, one-way movement of time.
The accompanying pocket watch currently housed in the hutch features a white enamel dial marked “Chronometre,” indicating Swiss manufacture. It is designed with a hinged backpiece to protect the rear of the case. While the exterior of the case is unsigned, the internal works may bear a maker’s mark, though the watch has not been opened to determine this.
Condition: Very good antique condition. The cast brass exhibits a handsome, warm patina with minor surface wear and oxidation commensurate with age. The mechanical star-form holder functions properly. The pocket watch is in visually good condition with light wear to the case and dial; its working order has not been tested and it is sold separately as a decorative accessory.
Reference:
19th Century Furniture and Decorative Arts. Sotheby’s, New York.
