Object Description
Impressive French Empire period ormolu and malachite sculptural mantel clock
French, c.1825
Height 92cm, width 63cm, depth 22cm
By Jacquier of Paris, circa 1825, this magnificent, impressive, and exceptionally fine antique clock dates to the French Empire period, blending Neoclassical sculpture and artistry with skilled horological craftsmanship to create an unmissable display piece.
The clock and mechanism itself feature a circular eight-day count wheel bell striking movement, with anchor escapement, regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension. The backplate is stamped ‘JACQUIER, A PARIS’ over the serial number 712, and the circular silvered brass dial with Roman numerals is signed ‘Jacquier’ to the centre and it features a steel moon-hand, set within a rosette decorated leaf-cast gilt bezel.
The case, with a later malachite veneer, proudly displays a finely cast male figure, that of the mythical Greek musician Orpheus, who wears a laurel wreath and a cape, holding a lyre. He is stood next to a pedestal mounted with an urn partially covered in drapery. It inscribed ‘EURIDICE’ to the waist – identifying the main figure. The sculpture is placed over a tablet upstand, and an acanthus cast ogee cornice. The dial is decorated with lotus leaves and the case features anthemion cast skirt mouldings. The large plinth base is also inset with a frieze of Orpheus attending the court of Hades and Persephone, which is again mounted on a generously cast acanthus skirt base with lions paw feet to the front.