Beschreibung:

A FRENCH EMPIRE ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK, THE DIAL SIGNED FOR LEPAUTE, PARIS THE CASE AND DIAL PROBABLY CIRCA 1810, THE MOVEMENT LATER Fitted with a circular eight-day two train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension and stamped with ..Japy Fils, Medaille d'argent, 1844 1849 roundel over number 283, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial inscribed LEPAUTE A PARIS to centre and with blued steel moon hands within a milled bezel, in a case modelled with a patinated bronze figure of Zeus cradling the infant Bacchus stood beside a tree stump adorned with fruiting vines and a crooked staff, the rectangular plinth base applied with mount cast with fine triple fruiting swag decorated baton beneath an urn with serpent handles to fascia, over stylised lotus leaf cast ogee moulded skirt base over rosette and scroll cast bracket feet, (case and dial probably circa 1810, the movement later) 50cm (19.75ins) high, 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 16cm (6.25ins) deep The current lot is cast with Zeus holding his infant son Bacchus (or Dionysus) who was a product of his affair with Semele. Zeus killed Semele by revealing his true form (a bolt of lightning) and Bacchus came forth from Zeus's thigh. Zeus took the infant who, despite being half mortal, was considered a god. Bacchus represented fertility, wine and hedonism and travelled with his followers of Maenads, Satyrs, and the drunken portly Silenus. Condition Report: Movement is just about working but is dirty hence a gentle clean/service is required. As catalogued the mechanism is not original to the dial and case hence the winding hole protrude a little further than normal and the left hand is slightly off-centre in the hole. The movement has not been removed from the case to assess how much alteration has been done to the back of the dial to facilitate fitment of the present movement. The dial enamel has some noticeable chipping and scratching around the right hand winding hole and very light chipping to the edge above the I numeral. The case retains original gilding with overall only light wear however the flat side and rear sections have oxidised/discoloured. Clock has pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer