Large antique ormolu and malachite mantel clock

This striking mantel clock comprises of a stepped rectangular malachite body, which is fitted with a central circular slate dial, and crowned by an ormolu sculpture of two lovers. The clock was crafted in the late 19th Century, with the malachite veneer being a more recent addition.

Four paw feet, crafted in ormolu, raise the body of the clock off the ground. On the lower front section of the clock, there is a scrolling ormolu motif, which has been mounted onto a block that steps out from the main body. The clock dial is positioned above, set within the same projecting block. The slate dial features gilded Roman numerals, and is enclosed within an egg and dart ormolu frame. The face is signed with the retailer's name, 'James Murray / Paris'.

A laurel leaf cornice wraps around the base of the clock body, with a continuous frieze - decorated with relief sculptures of the classical Gods - shown above. A slim, twisting ormolu string-course occupies the space above the frieze. This is topped by a stepped architrave, veneered in malachite and surmounted by a plain ormolu cornice.

The malachite-veneered body of the clock is topped by an ormolu sculpture of two young lovers. The couple appear to be seated in the countryside, as implied by the grass that grows near their feet and the flowers that decorate the girl's hair. The girl is posed with her left arm raised and finger extended, held to her chin, in a thoughtful expression. The young man leans in towards the girl, lovingly observing her and wrapping his right arm around her shoulders. With his right hand, he holds onto her left arm. The sculpture is signed 'Moreau'.