Charles X table clock; France, c. 1830.

Table clock Charles X; France, c. 1830.

Gilt and patinated bronze.
It has silk thread suspension.
Preserves pendulum and key.
Presents faults.
Measurements: 58 x 45 x 19,5 cm.
This clock is a decorative piece of the XIX century that combines elements of gilded bronze and patinated bronze, typical of the neoclassical style and French elegance of that time. Prominent in the design is the figure of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and travelers, identified by his winged helmet (although here the wings are stylized on the top of his head) and his caduceus, which he holds in one hand. Mercury's pose is relaxed, leaning against the structure of the clock, adding dynamism and elegance to the composition.
The clock itself is integrated into a gilded rectangular base, adorned with classical motifs, such as garlands, scrolls and other ornamental elements detailed in relief. To the left of the clock, there is a representation of a dragon or mythological animal head in gilt, a common motif in decorative pieces of that era that sought to evoke classical antiquity. The base also features relief details, including a central medal surrounded by garlands, and legs in the shape of mythological figures, such as sphinxes or winged creatures, which give it a sense of monumentality. The fusion of these elements with the figure of Mercury reinforces the symbolic character of the piece, which was surely a luxury object intended for display in an elegant 19th century salon or study.

Nineteenth-century bronze table clocks were key pieces in interior decoration and design, as well as symbols of social status and refinement. Elaborately crafted and often adorned with artistic motifs, these clocks not only served to measure time, but also reflected the technical advances and taste for fine craftsmanship of the era. Bronze, a durable and aesthetically appreciated material, allowed the creation of complex and elegant forms, integrating styles such as neoclassical or rococo, which made them highly valued objects in the residences of high society.