Description
This item is an antique French Empire mantel clock, likely dating from the early 19th century, around 1800–1830. Here’s a detailed description based on the images provided:
General Description:
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Style: French Empire
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Materials: Gilt bronze (ormolu), black/white marble base, and enameled clock face.
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Color Scheme: Classic Empire contrast of black and gold with a white marble accent.
Design Features:
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Clock Dial:
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White enamel dial with Roman numerals.
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Signed “Glycere / Paris” — likely the clockmaker or retailer.
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Two winding holes suggest an 8-day movement with separate trains for timekeeping and striking.
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Elegant Breguet-style hands, common in quality French clocks of the period.
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Top Finial:
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A gilt bronze classical figure (possibly representing Apollo or a Victory figure), standing triumphantly with arms raised.
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Pillars and Ornamentation:
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Two black columns with detailed gilt appliqués resembling military trophies or heraldic emblems.
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Chains connect the central body to each column, adding visual balance and ornamentation.
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Base:
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White marble resting on a black and gilt wood (or metal) base.
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Gilded drapery motif with tassels and classical garlands—typical decorative theme in Empire-style furniture and decorative arts.
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Raised on four gilt feet.
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