A French Empire alabaster portico clock with finely chased ormolu mounts. The white enamel dial with Roman numerals and pierced gilt hands, contained within a delicately chased and pierced drapery (presenting the central bust of Appollon) framed drum case. The whole surmounted by an alabaster architrave with ormolu mounts depicting the goddesses of Pheme, the personification of fame and renown. The clock is supported on four tapered columns to a raised plinth base, each column with gilt bronze mountings, on shaped feet. Clock with silk suspension, bell on half-hour and hour with sunburst pendulum.
Comparative literature:
For the case: Pierre Kjellberg, Encyclopaedie de la Pendule Francaise, Paris 2008, p. 372F, fig. 373C
For the gilt-bronze drapery: Tardy, La Pendule Francaise dans le Monde, Paris 1994, p. 310
Condition: wear consistent with age and use, min. fading – detailed condition report on request
