A mid-19th century French oil on canvas picture clock
Maison Wurtel numbered 901, the movement supplied by Japy fils
The giltwood frame with floral garland corners and deep box to the back, hinged along the top edge and opening to reveal the movement. The painting depicting an Alpine village with frolicking children and a fantasy castle, the largest turret of which carries the white enamel dial with Roman chapter ring and black Breguet-style moon hands, within a decorated brass bezel. The movement with outside countwheel striking the hours and halves on a wire gong, with Brocot suspension and delicate anchor escapement, the back plate bearing the Silver Medal seal for Japy fils for 1844 and 1849, the front plate engraved 901 WURTEL (first letter obscured) ART D'HORLOGERI PARIS. GIE VIVIENNE38 9 2. Previously with separate musical movement, now removed. Ticking with numbered pendulum, numbered 1167. 85cms (33 ins) high
Footnotes:
Guillaume-Ferdinand Wurtel was born in 1807, his date of death is thought to be circa 1858. In 1837 he advertised as working at 38-40 Passage Vivienne in Paris, the address he seemed to occupy for his entire career. Three years later, in 1840, he was listed in a trade almanac as a horological maker and seller offering picture clocks as well a supplier of concave glasses. In 1841 a magazine La Presse recommended La Maison Wurtel to their readers, informing them that they can buy watches, table clocks, picture clocks, music boxes, alarm clocks, and 'objects of fantasy' (trans.), all from Wurtel's shop. In 1856 he exhibited at the 'Exposition of M. Delépine (the younger) of Paris', exhibiting wares of mainly novelties; wind-up toys for children and dolls which could say 'Maman' and 'Papa'. For public enjoyment, and no doubt to attract customers, he hired a rope dancer to perform near his stall. Unfortunately, his stall was placed in the 'Scientific' section, and apparently the majority of people were rather baffled by the whole display.