Large ormolu and porcelain mantel clock by Silvani

This fine mantel clock is wrought from ormolu, or gilt bronze, and porcelain. The most striking feature of the clock is the large and central porcelain plaque, which is painted after Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s 1665-70 The Holy Family. The plaque is contained within an elaborately detailed ormolu case: the case features griffin feet below, while the plaque is flanked by twin Corinthian columns. The surfaces throughout are profusely moulded with rinceaux bands, scrolling acanthus leaves, and other foliate motifs. The clock is surmounted by an elaborate crown, which contains a circular ormolu dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour indices.

The dial surmount is signed 'Silvani, a Paris', as is the movement.