Impressive French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock

This superb Empire Period mantel clock is cast in malachite and ormolu, and features exceptional sculptural work both figurative and in relief, depicting the mythology of the Greek musician Orpheus, and his love for his wife Eurydice.

Made by Jacquier of Paris, c.1825, the clock's movement is encased in a later malachite veneer, and adorned with fine ormolu (gilt-bronze) mounts. The clock itself features an eight-day countwheel bell striking movement, with an anchor escapement that is regulated by a disc pendulum. The backplate is stamped 'JACQUIER, A PARIS,' with the serial number 712. The silvered brass dial with Roman numerals is also signed Jacquier, and bears a steel moon-hand, set within a leaf-cast bezel, decorated with rosettes.

The case features a fantastic gilt-bronze sculpture of Orpheus, wearing a laurel wreath and a cape, holding a lyre. He stands next to a pedestal with an urn surmount, draped with a cloth, and inscribed 'EURYDICE,' on its waist. Further artistic embellishments include acanthus cornices, lotus leaves, and anthemion cast skirt mouldings, while the base of the clock displays a frieze depicting Orpheus at the court of Hades and Persephone, where he sung in order to save the soul of his beloved wife Eurydice. Orpheus was told he could leave with her so long as he did not look back: he famously failed at the last moment before they reached the surface.

Both a fine artistic piece, and an exceptional example of antique clockmaking dating as far back as the early nineteenth century, this beautiful mantel clock stands out for its grandeur, style, and artistry.