“Horatius & the Fall of Rome” French Empire Antique Bronze Mantel Clock

FRENCH RESTAURATION ORMOLU & PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK OF ROMAN PHILOSOPHER HORATIUS
Paris, circa 1820; silk-suspension movement signed "Etablissement Barbot de Paris"

21 1/8" H x 15 1/8" W x 5 1/8" D

An incredibly fine Restauration period clock, it depicts a seated figure of the important Roman philosopher Horatius holding a scroll in his right hand while waving his hand over the results of war: ruins of a column and remains of an architectural mural from a fallen Rome, the clock he rests on crushing the head of a fallen horse. A scattered and empty helmet rests at his feet. The base is mounted with an ormolu central motif of a pair of herald's trumpets entangled in a laurel wreath. The silk-suspension movement is stamped behind the bell "92" "Etablissement Barbot de Paris" "132" for the firm of Maison Barbot.

Note the exquisite chiseling of the figure, each hair not only cast and chiseled with great precision, but also with a very lightly hammered texture. A remarkable attention to detail is shown in every element of the figure, this particularly apparent in the intricate modeling of his fingers and toes as well as the relief casting in the architectural ruins, which is of nearly jeweler grade quality.

Condition: An exceptionally fine presentation; minor wear to original patina; original ormolu in fine condition with trace verdigris in crevices; pendulum is replaced and is weighted; movement appears to be complete, but has not been tested for completeness or timekeeping; it will need to be serviced by a professional prior to operation.

ref. 010CVX22A