Object Description
Neoclassical style circular movement mantel clock by Leroy & Cie
French, c. 1880
Height 72cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
This superb mantel clock—crafted from white marble, gilt bronze, and patinated bronze—takes the shape of an amphora vase form case above a cylindrical stem and a circular foot, the stem and foot ornamented with classicising gilt bronze mounts. The foot of the vase sits on an architecturally formed plinth, which is decorated with inset gilt bronze relief panels depicting Classical scenes of river gods.
The clock mechanism, called a cercle tournant, is composed of two cylindrical enamel discs. The white marble vase shaped case is ornamented with gilt bronze mounts in the form of acanthus leaves and twin intertwined serpent handles and is surmounted by a gilt bronze pomegranate finial. The clock plinth also supports a patinated bronze figure of Cupid, whose outstretched hand holds an arrow that indicates the current time.