Eugène Cornu and Gustave Viot & Cie.

EUGÈNE CORNU (France, 1827 - 1899) and GUSTAVE VIOT & CIE.
Japanisme" table clock.
Gilded and patinated bronze. Onyx base.
Measurements:
Clock of sculptural conception in the form of a peacock. The dial sits on the body of the animal. The peacock is magnificently hand chiseled with fine details in a mixed metal arrangement, representing the multitude of colors a peacock has in its feathers.
The sculptor Eugène Cornu (1827-1899), based at 29 rue Popincourt in Paris, first worked as a draughtsman and director of works for the Tahan house, before working closely, from 1858, with the Compagnie des Marbres Onyx d'Algérie, led by Gustave Viot, successor to Alphonse Pallu. They produced decorative works of great luxury that were characterized by combining onyx with bronze and sometimes with enamel.
The works of the house of Viot were created from models of renowned sculptors such as Eugène Cornu, Albert Carrier-Belleuse (Victoria & Albert Museum, Inv. 9070-1863), Charles Cordier (Orsay, Inv. RF 2996) or Louis- Ernest Barrias (Orsay, Inv. RF 1409).