French Gilt Ormolu Mantel Clock

An impressive, French gilt ormolu mantel clock depicting a story of the French Revolution.



The main feature is two young aristocrats in ornate court dress circa 1780. Between them is a romantic fountain. Similar scenes were a frequent subject of French painters in the first half of the 18th century but this model has the additional symbolism of a down-trodden peasant's head glaring from the ground and a lady's walking stick.



Beneath the dial is a plaque which is clearly the same couple at the same place many years later and after the Revolution. They are now modestly dressed and stooping from the effects of old age. Access to the fountain is prevented and all that remains of their former life is their memories and her walking stick.



The movement has an enamel dial with blue numerals and ornate pierced gilt brass hands.

It has an 8 day movement that strikes the hours on a bell, made by Boyer at an address in Rue Saintonge in the heart of old Paris.

• Height 53 cm / 21"
• Width 39 cm / 15 ¹⁄₂"
• Depth 17 cm / 6 ³⁄₄"