Large and rare ormolu mounted malachite mantel clock by Manière

With an enamel dial signed 'Manière / A Paris,' presumably for the workshop of Charles-Guillaume Manière, a leading clockmaker of late Louis XVI period France, this elegant Neoclassical mantel clock is cast and veneered in ormolu (gilt-bronze), and malachite.

Featuring a pair of pedestals mounted to the front with female busts or caryatids above tapering colunnades, a sunburst pendulum trails beneath the clock's case in front of a gilt wreath and below the circular drum of the mechanism which features ribbons, vases, and pinecone surmounts. 

The decoration is executed is superb Neoclassical style, with an unusual twin-column design, that allows the use of multiple elegant motifs and designs. Manière was known for the quality of his clocks, and frequently collaborated with leading bronzier and sculptors to adorn his pieces, with fine creations ensuing such as this beautiful piece.