Empire and Biedermeier Clocks

Empire style is a variation of classicistic art, which was developed in France under the reign of Napoleon and spread over Europe during the early 19th century. Around 1815 the smooth transition into the world famous Viennese Biedermeier period took place. The Viennese Empire clocks usually have delicate cases out of fire-gilt bronze (ormolu), which can also be combined with other precious materials such as alabaster or polished granite. The form vocabulary derives from Ancient Greece and Rome and is enhanced with oriental elements. During the Biedermeier period not only ormolu cases but also cases out of ebonized fruit wood or fine wood veneer enjoyed great popularity. The decor is mainly classicistic, but sometimes also uses neo-Gothic motifs. The movements of Viennese Empire and Biedermeier clocks are often equipped with the Viennese grande sonnerie and sometimes also have an indication of date.