Large Empire period gilt and patinated bronze Bacchus clock

This fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from gilt and patinated bronze. The clock features a central silvered dial, the drum of which serves as a perch for Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and the harvest. Bacchus, who is crafted from gilt bronze, is amid items that indicate his status: a lyre for music and revelry, a jug for wine, and bunches of grapes that hint at both the source of wine and the harvest more generally. The clock drum is set atop a patinated bronze base, supported by twin naturalistically cast patinated bronze stumps. The base is adorned with a bas relief ormolu plaque to the front face, which depicts a Bacchanalia, as well as a host of other classicising mounts.