Joseph Ulrich Danhauser (1780 - 1829) AN EMPIRE TABLE CLOCK

Kolem 1820
gilded and polychromed wood, brass, enamel, steel, glass
65 x 43 x 18 cm (h x w x d)
Signed: Signed on the dial

The exceptional Empire table clock is an extraordinary example of the masterful work of the famous Viennese furniture workshop founded in 1814 by sculptor Joseph Ulrich Danhauser. It was one of the first Viennese firms to deal with interior decoration. These included furniture and upholstery production, the manufacture of interior lighting, metalwork, intricate draperies and small sculptural accessories. The Vienna MAK alone owns catalogues with some 2,500 Danhauser designs. Their clientele came from all over the Austrian monarchy and Germany, and the firm had sales offices in Graz and Budapest. Danhauser's most prestigious and extensive commission was the renovation of Archduke Karl's palace in Vienna (today's Albertina) around 1822. The carved clock on offer is in the shape of a vessel known as an oinochoe with an angel and the portrait of a man. The enamel dial is signed J. Straub B. in Wien. Joseph Bin Straub was a Viennese clockmaker who began producing his clocks in 1800. Quarter beating movement. Excellent condition.