Large Art Nouveau ormolu mantel clock by François-Raoul Larche

This rare and large pendule à cercle tournant mantel clock is modelled as the Allegorical figure of Time. The triumphant gilt-bronze flowing female sculpture stands on a circular orbit that serves as a clock, with the base surrounded by a maelstrom of sculptural figures modelled as children.

The resplendent gold sculpture, made from ormolu (gilded bronze), is signed 'Raoul Larche' and stamped 'Siot-Decauville', for the Parisian foundry which was prevalent in executing almost all of Larche's bronzes. The Siot catalogue from circa 1905 lists this clock as "Allégorie du Temps" (Allegory of Time), available in three sizes, at a cost of 2700 to 7000 Francs. The model is also sometimes titled "Les Heures" (The Hours).

The victorious depiction of Time with her sweeping cloak above the infants below is similar to another clock by Larche which was carved at the corner of rue de Bellechasse and rue de Grenelle in Paris.