Large Charles X period malachite and ormolu mantel clock

This superb malachite, lapis lazuli, and ormolu mantel clock dates from the period of Charles X, when clocks were often crafted with large and impressive sculptural surmounts. The present clock features later malachite and lapis lazuli veneers, which lend the almost two century old piece a fresh and vibrant appearance.

The clock features a two-tier stepped malachite base. The lower tier is separated from the upper, narrower tier by a moulded ormolu cornice, and is raised from the ground by scrolled ormolu feet. The upper tier of the base is adorned with an ormolu blind cartouche, with each end of the cartouche terminating in a scrolling foliate motif.

The base supports the square-profile malachite clock case, which contains a circular silvered metal dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour indices and set within a bezel moulded with a frieze of the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Most strikingly, the clock is surmounted by a large ormolu figure. The figure is Urania, the Ancient Greek muse of astronomy. Urania, who is dressed in a light, classicising robe, is accompanied by emblems associated with astronomy and learning: she rests atop a lapis lazuli globe, for instance, and several large books rest by her side.

The dial is signed 'Cénéric Fromgé / à Paris'.