This clock has a statuary marble plinth and triumphal-arched case enriched with bacchic lion-feet and laurel-wreathed palm-trees. The design celebrates the Continent of Africa and is surmounted by an Indian huntress accompanied by a turtle and tamed panther. The African figure derives from a clock-pattern invented in 1799 by de Verberie & Co., bronze manufacturers and clock-makers of 47 rue des Fosses du Temple and published as 'Pendule à l'Afrique'. A related clock with arched case and marble plinth, emblematic of America, and bearing the inscription 'De Verberie & Cie, Rue des Fosses du Temple nr. 47 à Paris' was offered at Sotheby's Monaco, 18 June 1994, lot 143. Related 'Africa' clocks were exhibited at the Musée de l'Hotel Sandelin at Saint Omer (Exhibition Catalogue, La Pendule au Negre, 1978, nos. 16 and 17)