Crafted from malachite, ormolu, and porcelain, this table clock is a superb example of the Napoleon III, or Second Empire, style.
The shaped malachite base of the clock, raised by four ornate scrolled ormolu feet, is inset to the front with three porcelain plaques, each painted in pastel tones with images of fruit and cherubs, the painted scenes contained within bleu celeste borders and ormolu frames. The malachite base is profusely mounted with ormolu, including scrolled buttresses to the sides and a foliate band around its centre.
The malachite case is surmounted by the ormolu clock case, centrally placed, and inset with a white enamel dial. The shaped case is cast with rich detailing and surmounted by an ornate urn-form finial. Most strikingly, the clock case is flanked by two large ormolu allegorical figures, one of whom represents summer and the other autumn. The figures are superbly cast and finished, their calm faces and loose dress decidedly classical in feeling. The ormolu top is strewn with bunches of berries and fruit and other symbols of abundance, complementing the scenes on the porcelain plaques below.