Empire ormolu mantel clock with sculptural surmount of Erato

This very fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from ormolu and is modelled as a table raised on a plinth, which a sculptural surmount above. The plinth-form base is raised on toupie feet and is set with classicising ormolu mounts to its faces. The main body of the clock is modelled as a table, complete with four columnar legs finished with foliate capitals and bases. The dial is centrally placed and is inscribed with Arabic numeral hour indices. The four sides of the clock case are adorned with elaborate pierced ormolu openwork, including swags, tassels, and griffon motifs.

The most striking element of the clock is its sculptural surmount: Erato, the Greek Muse of lyric poetry, sits on an Empire style armchair, with her right foot raised on a foot stool and a lyre—her distinctive emblem—held in her hands. She is deftly formed, wearing clinging clothing that is reminiscent of Greek wet drapery.

The dial is signed ‘Blanc Fils / Palais Royal’.