Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Piolane

This large Empire period mantel clock, by the celebrated maker Michel-François Piolaine, is entirely wrought from ormolu (gilt bronze). The clock features a plinth-form case with a protruding architrave and an overhanging cornice, between which and to the front is a figurative bas-relief panel. This panel, encompassed by a frame composed of stylised vine leaf and grape bunch motifs, presents a scene of four putti honouring the fruits of harvest before an altar laden with bounty: the figures blow horns and flutes and frolic in Bacchic celebration.

The clock drum, also architecturally formed, stands atop the base: its surface is adorned with similar bas-relief scenes and its dial, encompassed by a vine wreath, is inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks and contains a partially rubbed signature for Piolaine.

The drum is surmounted by a large seated full-length figure, also of ormolu. The figure most probably represents Pomona, the Ancient Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. She sits askew atop the drum, a horn filled with the products of harvest across her lap and supported by her left hand. In her right hand, outstretched, she holds a bunch of grapes. The bronze throughout is exceptionally finely cast and beautifully gilt.