Jean-François and Guillaume Denière fl. 1820-1901 A large and fine Napoléon III gilt and patinated bronze three-piece clock garniture Paris, circa 1870, after the model by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

the clock surmounted by the figural group known as "L'Amour se confie a l'amitie", the white and black enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, signed DENIERE / F^{T. DE BRONZES / A PARIS}, the pair of six light candelabras modeled as allegories of night and day

Overall in good condition and impressive presentation. The gilt bronze has recently been cleaned and still retains its original gilding. Wear to brown patina of figures consistent with touching.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although Carrier-Belleuse had made his debut at the Salon in 1848, it was not until his return to Paris from his employment with the Minton factory in 1857 that he established himself as a regular exhibitor. On his 'second debut' at the 1857 Salon he exhibited four portrait busts and a bronze of L'Amour et L'Amitie. This group, which later became known as L'Amour se confie a L'Amitie, reflects the type of parian designs the sculptor was producing in England. The model was manufactured by Deniere and shown at the Paris 1863 Union Centrale exhibition. The firm of Deniere et Matelin was established at the end of the eighteenth century at 58 rue de Turenne. The business was built by Jean-Francois Deniere and continued by his son Guillaume who exhibited under his own name from 1849.

For further information on Dénière please see lot 317 in the present sale.