A French Mid-Century Clock Lamp in Gilt Metal and Agate, Jacques Duval Brasseur

This whimsical yet refined mid-20th-century clock-lamp takes the form of a stylized apple, executed in gilt metal and centered with a naturally banded agate slice that serves as the clock dial. The agate is fitted with applied Roman numerals and elegant clock hands, while a sculptural stem and an agate-set leaf crown the composition, reinforcing the organic inspiration at the heart of the design. The interplay between polished stone and gilded metal lends the piece both visual warmth and tactile richness.
The work is signed by Jacques Duval Brasseur, a French designer active in the mid-20th century and celebrated for his inventive decorative objects that merge natural forms with precious and semi-precious materials. Brasseur’s creations frequently draw on motifs from fruit, flora, and marine life, transforming familiar organic subjects into sophisticated functional sculptures. His work reflects the period’s fascination with biomorphism, artisanal craftsmanship, and the elevation of everyday objects into objets d’art.
Balancing humor, elegance, and material refinement, this apple clock-lamp exemplifies the playful yet luxurious spirit of French mid-century decorative arts. At once sculptural and functional, it stands as a distinctive and collectible example of postwar design, appealing to connoisseurs of both modernist whimsy and fine materials.
Dimensions: 14.5 in. high × 10 in. wide × 4.5 in. deep