French Empire period ormolu mantel clock

This fine mantel clock was produced during the Empire period from glistening ormolu, or gilt bronze. The clock features a rectangular base, the two front corners chamfered, which is raised on four toupie feet. The base serves as a stage set, supporting the plinth-form clock case—inset with a white enamel dial—and an impressive sculptural group comprised of a classical female figure tending to a burning brazier. The ormolu throughout is mounted with classicising motifs, including palmettes and ornate rosettes. The front of the base is adorned with twin panthers lying either side of a lyre, their inclusion alluding to the taste for all things Egyptian and North African that pervaded much of Empire period art and design.

The dial features a rubbed signature, the only part of which still legible is ‘a Paris’.