Monumental Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel Clock, Modeled by Paul Helmig

Description

Monumental & Rare Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel Clock, Modeled by Paul Helmig (1859-1939) most probably made for Exposition Universalle The clock is formed as a monumental porcelain mantel structure with a shaped base rising into a central clock housing and a sculptural summit. The base stands on four scrolling feet with gilt accents, supporting an openwork apron centered by a reclining putti arranged on a draped cloth, with another putto positioned slightly above them holding fruit. Above this group, a lattice panel is framed by applied flowers and leaves, with two modeled birds perched at the center. The circular dial is set within a molded surround with beaded and foliate borders, with pierced gilt hands and Roman numerals. To the left of the case stands a winged male figure holding a scythe, representing Chronos or Time, shown with extended wings and positioned among foliage. To the right, a seated draped female figure wearing a head covering represents Charity, holding an infant at her breast while a second child stands beside her holding a bird. A separate putto is seated near the dial holding a bouquet. The upper section is surmounted by a standing female figure partially draped, holding a cloth above her head, representing Aurora or Dawn, placed among leaves and floral elements. The surface is finished in white glaze with polychrome enamel decoration and applied gilt highlights, with modeled roses, blossoms, and a butterfly placed around the dial. The clock is identified as a Meissen porcelain mantel clock modeled by Paul Helmig (1859 to 1939). The underside bears the Meissen crossed swords mark in underglaze blue, along with the incised model number R200 and number 137. These marks correspond to Meissen factory production and indicate the specific model designation and sequence within the series. Helmig worked as a modeler at the Meissen manufactory and produced figural compositions incorporating allegorical subjects such as Time, Charity, and Aurora. The presence of both the factory mark and incised numbers provides clear attribution to Meissen production, with the impressed number indicating the individual example within the model series. The Meissen manufactory produced porcelain clocks that integrate sculptural modeling with mechanical components through multi part molding and assembly. The inclusion of allegorical figures such as Time with a scythe, Charity with children, and Aurora as a draped female figure corresponds to established iconographic programs used in Meissen figural work. The extensive use of polychrome enamel, modeled floral elements, and applied gilt decoration reflects a high level of production quality. The scale, number of figures, and complexity of the openwork construction contribute to the rarity of this model within Meissen porcelain clock production and suggest that this clock was most probably made for one of the Worlds Fair Expositions.

Details

Dimensions