This exquisite mantel clock hails from the grand era of the French Empire, showcasing opulent gilt bronze craftsmanship. It's a masterpiece from around 1820, possibly having made its way to Italy. The intricately detailed gilt bronze case depicts Orpheus serenading with his lyre, while its mechanical heart beats to the rhythm of an eight-day bell-striking movement, adorned with a personalized 'A C D 1516' backplate.
The Roman numeral dial bears the name Riccardo Pacinoti of Lavourne, driven by a French movement with silk suspension, melodiously chiming the hours and half-hours. The clock's case takes the form of an elegant oblong pillar, embellished with anthemium and cornucopia motifs beneath a draping urn and laurel wreath. Orpheus, the lyre-playing figure, graces one side, while the stepped plinth is adorned with intricately detailed scenes from the underworld, standing on graceful leaf scroll feet. Meticulously restored to its former glory, this clock is in excellent condition, with both the case and movement receiving the utmost care and attention from a skilled restorer.
Clocks like these from the 19th-century French bronze era are celebrated for their exceptional quality, especially in terms of craftsmanship. This was a result of meticulous government regulations governing bronze object production, the art of fire gilding, and collaboration with renowned artists to create these magnificent timepieces. These splendid timepieces adorned prominent palaces and residences across Europe, serving as an inspiration for the entire continent.
