Empire ormolu mantel clock depicting Diana the Huntress

The present mantel clock, crafted from ormolu (gilt bronze), features a large and impressive sculptural group of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, accompanied by her various emblems. Diana casually sits atop the rectangular clock case, her two feet off to one side, supported by twin tree stumps. She holds a single arrow in her left hand, while in her right she grasps a dead bird. Her features are distinctly classical in feeling: her cool, calm countenance being typical of Empire period sculpture, and the diaphanous, clinging robe she wears reminiscent of classical prototypes. Against the other side of the clock case rests her arrow, quiver, and horn. A dog, who gazes up towards her face, is Diana’s sole companion.

The clock case contains a circular enamel dial, centred with a disc of chased ormolu, the dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks. The case—as well as the sculptural group—is raised on a large rectangular base, the front of which is finished with a frieze-like relief panel portraying a classical hunt.

The movement is signed 'G. Philippe / Palais Royal'.