Charles X period ormolu and lapis lazuli mantel clock

This fine mantel clock dates from the early 19th Century, during reign of Charles X in France, with the blue lapis lazuli veneer to the case being a later addition.

The clock is set on a ormolu base, with two feet to the rear and a scrolling ornamented support to the front, all supporting a lapis lazuli plinth. The plinth is connected to the main clock case above, with a stylised and stepped ormolu band formed with a repeating pattern of anthemion leaves. The circular clock dial is set into the centre of the case and features Roman Numerals for the hour markers. The clock case is further decorated with a cornice band in ormolu, and is surmounted by an ormolu bust of the famed French writer Molière.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (French 1622-1673), more commonly known as Molière, was an extremely important and celebrated writer, actor and poet in 17th Century France. Molière's works, and especially his plays, are renowned to this day and he is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of all time. His works have been translated into all major languages and are still performed today. Molière's most famous works include Tartuffe, The Misanthrope and The Learned Women.