Louis XVI period malachite and ormolu mantel clock by Tavernier

Crafted from ormolu (gilt bronze) and malachite (a recent addition), this clock is designed in a magnificent Neoclassical style. The clock is set on a shaped rectangular malachite plinth which is decorated with ormolu beading, rosettes and fruiting vines. This plinth is set on ormolu toupie feet.

Topping the plinth are two free-standing squared supports with scrolled bases and tops. Their shafts are mounted with ormolu classical motifs, including lyres, flowers, arrow quivers, trumpets and ribbon bows within beaded frames. Ormolu flowers decorate the scrolls, forming wreaths at the bases which enclose lapis lazuli medallions. These squared columns support a malachite architrave which is topped by ormolu models of lyres, decorated with foliage.

At the centre of the architrave, there is a circular white enamel dial which features black Arabic Numbers and the maker’s name ‘L. Tavernier’. This dial is set behind a glass lens, within an ormolu beaded bezel and cylindrical case. The space below the case is decorated by a pierced ormolu motif composed of crossed grape vines, centred on a jasperware medallion. This depicts the white profile of a woman against a royal blue background. The clock’s pendulum is suspended from the case and terminates in an ormolu Apollo sun-burst mask. The case is crowned by a covered malachite urn which features two scrolled ormolu handles and an ormolu finial.