French clock. Second Empire, ca. 1860.

French clock. Second Empire, ca. 1860.
Mercury gilt bronze.
Enamel dial.
Paris engine.
It has pendulum.
With chime at half and hour.
The back crystal is missing. It needs to be reworked in the machinery.
Measurements: 39 x 27 x 10 cm.

As it was usual in the clocks of chimney or table of the Second Empire, the one that occupies us, made entirely in gilded bronze to the mercury, is enriched with a sculptural group of mythological inspiration. The effigy wrapped in a long and draped tunic, probably represents a vestal or caretaker of the temple, which we deduce from the incense burner she carries in one hand. A chest with an open lid rests on top of the clock case, along with a lute-like stringed instrument and an amphora. The case is decorated with a profusion of vegetal motifs. The frieze of the pedestal depicts a dreamlike garden, with griffins holding festoons and exuberant floral garlands. The dial is white enamel and bears Roman numerals.