A RESTAURATION ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK

Details
A RESTAURATION ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK
SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

In the form of Bacchus carrying a basket of grapes enclosing an enamel watch movement with arabic chapters, the figure on an ovoid plinth applied with grape leaves and a basket of fruit on toupie feet
11in. (28cm.) high, 8½in. (21cm.) wide

Lot Essay

The design of this clock with a figure carrying a basket relates to a number of clocks, principally with figures of blackamoors with bales of cotton, produced in the first quarter of the 19th century. These clocks were designed after engravings of Charles-Melchior Descourtis after Jean-Fréderic Schall and were used for illustrations in Henri Bernadin de Saint-Pierre's novel Paul et Virginie.