French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

This mantel clock is a fine example of the Charles X style. The clock, wrought from malachite and gilt bronze, features the distinctive feature of most Charles X period clocks: a large sculptural surmount. In the present clock, the sculptural surmount depicts Cupid, who is portrayed as an adolescent and rests a tablet on his lap.

Beneath Cupid is the gilt bronze clock drum, set into a naturalistically rendered ground and inset with a circular gilt bronze dial. The sculptural surmount is supported by a stepped malachite base raised on scrolled feet.