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Vienna, around 1910/15
- Case
- polished mahogany veneer, carved and gilt lime wood, inlays made of brass, mother of pearl, ebony and maple wood
- Dial
- repoussé brass
- Movement
- Graham escapement, half hour strike on bell, stamped on plate "J.F.T." (Johann Franke Cieszyn/ Austrian Silesia, founded 1890 as “Franke & Gronemann”, from around 1898 “Johann Franke, Uhrenfabrik in Teschen” with this stamp, after 1918 nationalized and renamed) duration of one week
- Measurements
- 17½×23½ in
The cornucopia is the attribute of Fortuna, the goddess of luck, and symbolizes never-ending abundance and prosperity. Since ancient times, it has been a popular motif in the visual arts, architectural decoration and arts and crafts. It experienced a veritable renaissance in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century thanks to the ornamental formal vocabulary of Art Nouveau.
Two opulently carved and gilded cornucopias, overflowing with lush flowers, are the main motif of the magnificent case of this Viennese Art Nouveau clock. They act as support for the case drum and frame the decorative chased brass dial. The elegant base on which the cornucopias rest is veneered with polished mahogany and decorated with ornamental inlays of brass, mother-of-pearl, ebony and maple wood.
The one week-going brass movement with half-hour strike is stamped with the shield-shaped company mark “J.F.T.” on the plate. It belonged to the Johann Franke clock factory in Teschen (Cieszyn/Poland, then Austrian Silesia), which also had a Viennese branch (Millöckergasse 8, Vienna VI). The company used this mark from around 1898 until it was nationalized and renamed shortly after the First World War. It can therefore be assumed that this magnificent Art Nouveau timepiece was produced in the first two decades of the 20th century.
With its generously sculptured case, this wonderful mantel clock bears witness to the ornamental splendor of Viennese Art Nouveau and the unique flair of the time around 1900.