Sèvres style porcelain and ormolu mantel clock

This beautiful Louis XV style mantel clock is crafted from Sèvres style porcelain mounted with ormolu, or gilt bronze.

The case of the clock, slab shaped with a rounded top, is formed from porcelain. The pale blue porcelain ground, known as ‘bleu celeste’, is parcel gilt and jewelled on occasion with enamel beads. The circular dial is set to the top of the case, its face decorated with a Rococo style painted scene of cherubim within an idyllic, floral landscape. The dial is inscribed with gilt Roman numeral hour marks, each contained within a gilt cartouche, with the entire dial encompassed by a beaded ormolu frame. Below the dial, the front of the clock is painted with a Rococo style scene of a fête galante, within which amorous couples court within a pastoral landscape.

The case is set above a flared ormolu base, which is inset to the front with two porcelain plaques. Twin scrolled and highly ornate acanthus leaf handles are mounted to the sides of the case, the ormolu finely cast and finished. The case is topped by a vase-form surmount, formed from porcelain, and mounted with ormolu. This surmount is set to the front with an oval portrait of a female figure, the style of which complements the scenes painted below.