Baroque style French ormolu mantel clock by Rollet

This magnificent French mantel clock is designed in the Baroque style, with grand and impressive features and elaborate detailing.

The ormolu clock case takes an architectural form, and is modelled as a building on two split levels: with a narrowing staircase leading from the ground up to the first level. The case is magnificently decorated all over, with intricate classical features such as playful cherubs, garlands of fruit, torches, a wreath, winged beasts, masks, vases, pilasters and large female figures representing river gods.

The upper level of the case is set to the centre with a circular enamel dial, featuring Roman numerals for the hours, and signed by the maker 'Rollet Fabt. / Bould. St. Denis 15'. The clock movement can be accessed from the back side of the case.

The very fine quality and elaborate form of the clock case showcases the immense skill of 19th Century clock makers and in this case, the maker Rollet. The process of designing, casting and completing such a detailed clock case is highly specialist and labour intensive, and the result is a spectacular clock that would have been an item of the utmost luxury in its day.