French Empire Ormolu Clock

French Empire Ormolu mantel clock resting on four turned feet supporting an oval base with raised garland and zig-zag rope decoration. Two scholars are seated upon the base both studying books in front of the ‘library’ below the clock dial. The two boys are studying diligently without regard to time both are wearing short chitons and are barefoot. The boy on the left holds the book and follows the text with his finger at an especially interesting point. The boy on the right seems to read aloud which is stressed by the gesture of his left hand thus giving life to the scene despite it’s order, symmetry and academic atmosphere.

Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and original ‘moonpoise’ steel hands signed ‘Blanc Fils, Palais Royale’.

Eight day movement with silk suspension, outside countwheel striking the hours and halves on a silvered bell. C.1810