Object Description
This French mantel clock is designed in an elegant Neoclassical style, after the decorative arts of the Louis XVI period (1754-1793). This clock will look beautiful placed on a mantelpiece, or in some other prominent position in a well-furnished interior.
The most notable feature of the clock is the beautiful gilt bronze (ormolu) sculpture of a winged putto that tops it. The putto is depicted semi-nude, leaning forwards to play a cello. His eyes are closed, making him appear completely absorbed in his music. The putto sculpture stands on a rectangular glass clock case, which features a circular white enamel dial at its centre, signed ‘A Paris’. The glass case is gracefully decorated with gilt bronze mounts, taking the form of a ribbon bow, flower festoons, and leafy scrolls with Gallic rooster heads. The clock case is set on a rectangular white marble base, which is mounted with a gilt bronze openwork scrolled flowering vine. The base is set on four gilt bronze beaded toupie feet.