Table clock. First Empire. France, ca. 1810.

Table clock. First Empire. France, ca. 1810.
Gilt bronze. Enamel dial.
Paris movement, with chiming at the half hours and hours.
It has a pendulum.
The key is missing.
Machinery needs a tune-up
Measurements: 61 x 51 x 16 cm.

French table clock from the Empire period. The sculptural concept of Greco-Roman inspiration is characteristic of the time. Made all of it in gilded bronze, it consists of a base decorated with a bas-relief presided by the figure of Poseidon brandishing his trident and crossing the ocean on his two horses. Zephyrs and little lovebirds with cornucopiae blow wind to accompany the navigation of the marine god. A couple worked in round bulk flank the clock case. Probably inspired by Greek effigies of Apollo and Artemis (although they do not carry hunting attributes), they have idealized features and athletic bodies with turned limbs. The tunics adhere to the body emphasizing anatomical harmony, and are folded in sensual draperies. Fruit and vegetable festoons, together with laurel wreaths, become symbols of fertility and abundance in this context. In the center stands the clock case, which houses a white dial bordered by a foliate garland. The numerals are Roman numerals and the hands are Breguet type.