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Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock
French, Early 19th Century
Height 50cm, width 21cm, depth 14cm

This fine mantel clock is an excellent example of Empire period design. The Empire period is defined by a profusion of Classical Greek and Roman motifs, often in combination with themes drawn from Egyptian art and architecture.

The present clock features a panoply of classical symbols, all wrought from gilt bronze and mounted onto the malachite clock case. The mounts include the caduceus, the snake entwined staff of Mercury; palmettes flanked by stylised swans, the swan being another staple of Empire period design; and symbols of learning, such as the large group beneath the clock dial with its seated figure surrounded by books and a globe, or the finial surmount with its classical bust amidst yet more books and other emblems of the arts.

The circular clock dial is set into the top of the case, its tooled gilt bronze surface inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks. The malachite veneer is a later addition.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Malachite, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze).
Creation Date:	Early 19th century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Empire
Dealer Reference #:	10265
Incollect Reference #:	671182

Dimensions

W.	8.27 in;	H.	19.69 in;	D.	5.51 in;
W.	21 cm;	H.	50 cm;	D.	14 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.