Empire period gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock

This particularly fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from patinated and gilt bronze. The clock features a rectangular patinated bronze base raised by four ormolu paw feet. The front of the base is mounted with a bas relief panel depicting a classical figurative scene, while the sides of the base are set with finely wrought ormolu mounts of cherubim dancing around lyres. The base supports the plinth-form clock case, inset with a circular white enamel dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour indices and signed ‘Robert à Paris’. Like the base below, the case is set with a variety of classicising ormolu mounts, including snakes, crossed quivers, and folds of drapery. Most strikingly, a full-length figure of Orpheus (identifiable by his lyre) stands in contrapposto, his elbow resting atop the case. Orpheus wears a mournful countenance, and it is likely he is portrayed mourning Eurydice—a popular subject in art throughout the centuries.