Clock, France, 19th century

Clock, France, late 19th century.
Patinated and gilded bronze.
Measurements: 44 x 54 x 21 cm.

French Second Empire-style table clock. The piece stands out for its elaborate case, which combines patinated bronze (in the upper section) and mercury-gilded bronze, set upon a structure with black marble panels. It depicts a reclining allegorical female figure or muse dressed in the style of classical Greek or Roman antiquity. Her melancholic and contemplative pose is a very popular iconographic motif of the period, frequently associated with philosophy, scholarship, or poetry. The clock’s base features gilded pilasters with plant motifs and neoclassical architectural details. On either side of the dial are two patinated bronze bas-reliefs depicting mythological or allegorical scenes featuring classical figures.