Antique Charles X period ormolu and malachite mantel clock

This superb malachite and ormolu mantel clock dates from the period of Charles X, when clocks were often crafted with large and impressive sculptural surmounts. The present clock features a later malachite veneer, which lends the almost two century old piece a fresh and vibrant appearance.

The clock features a two-tier stepped malachite base. The lower tier is separated from the upper, narrower tier by a moulded ormolu cornice, and is raised from the ground by scrolled ormolu feet joined by a reeded ormolu apron. The upper tier of the base is adorned with an ormolu blind cartouche, with each end of the cartouche terminating in a scallop shell scrolled emblem.

The base supports the square-profile malachite clock case, which contains a circular ormolu dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour indices and moulded with a frieze of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The dial is set behind domed glass.

Most strikingly, the clock is surmounted by a large ormolu figure. The figure is Urania, the Ancient Greek muse of astronomy. Urania, who is dressed in a light, classicising robe, is accompanied by emblems associated with astronomy and learning: she rests atop a malachite globe, for instance, and a number of large books rest by her side.