HANGER simulating a gilt bronze and patinated... Lot 160

HANGER simulating a gilt bronze and patinated bronze fountain surmounted by an allegorical statue in memory of General Antoine des Aix known as Desaix (1768-1800). Movement with two revolving dials in a gilded bronze column decorated with an allegorical bas-relief with the Nile and the Po, a trophy of arms and an inscription repeating the last words of Desaix "Go and tell the first consul that I die with the regret of not having done enough for posterity". Base engraved with the battles in which Desaix distinguished himself and an epitaph, framed by simulated water jets in twisted swiveling crystal. Signed Romain on the enamel. On a swivel base on a turquoise blue and white marble column. Empire period (A water jet is missing and an accident to one of the dials). Height : 89 cm - Diameter : 42 cm. Claude Romain, clockmaker established rue des fossés St Germain l'Auxerrois between 1804 and 1806, then rue des Douze-portes between 1810 and 1820. This clock is a replica of the fountain designed by Charles Percier and inaugurated by Bonaparte, place Dauphine in 1803, in memory of Desaix for the anniversary of Marengo. It was, it is said, the first monument erected in Paris in honor of a character who was not a monarch. Dismantled in 1875, it was transferred, incomplete, to the place Jean-Baptiste Laurent in Riom in 1906. The Bertrand Museum in Châteauroux has another bronze model of this fountain. Purchased in Paris around 1970.