French Neoclassical malachite and doré bronze figural mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
This monumental French Neoclassical mantel clock is a masterwork of architectural and sculptural ornamentation, combining richly patterned green malachite with doré (gilt) bronze and silver-toned metal.
The clock is constructed with an elaborate architectural case featuring two full-length classical female caryatids flanking the dial. The dial itself is decorated with intricate floral engraving and features white enamel-style Roman numeral cartouches, with two winding apertures. The piece is highly embellished with classical iconography, including a female mask with serpentine ornaments crowning the dial, seated cherubs surrounding an owl, a winged cherub atop the structure holding a gilt hourglass, and winged griffins with scrolling foliage.
The entire assembly is elevated on a substantial octagonal green malachite base, which displays dramatic natural mineral banding and is further accented with gilt bronze mounts and feet. The rear of the clock houses a traditional mechanical movement with a bell, marked with the serial number 1067. The clock is accompanied by its winding key.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- malachite, doré bronze, silver-toned metal
- Dimensions
- 29 x 13 x 8 inches
Technical characteristics
- Markings
- 1067
- Movement
- mechanical with bell
Design
- Style
- Neoclassical
- Features
- caryatids, cherubs, owl, winged griffins, floral motifs
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.