Empire style gilt bronze and malachite sculptural mantel clock

This excellent piece was made in France, in the early part of the nineteenth century, and is instantly recognisable for the sumptuous and timeless combination of malachite and gilt bronze, which is ideally suited to the Neoclassical Empire style in which this work is crafted.

The movement itself is stamped for Denière and Gailleaux, Jean-François Denière (1774-1866) being an important maker in the first half of the twentieth century, his sons becoming known for the exceptional quality of the bronzes which adorned many of their timepieces. This piece consists of the dial inset within the case, which is offset and mounted next to a female figure who leans on the clock from one side, and a lyre to the other. The clock is subsequently mounted on a rectangular base, with fine gilt bronze adorning the structure. The malachite is a later addition.