CA0538 Fine French Empire period Ceres clock

Fine large scale early 19th century French Empire period ormolu gilt bronze mantel clock surmounted by the Roman goddess Ceres protector of the harvest, of agriculture, fertility and motherhood. Ceres is depicted holding a vine and a garland of flowers. To the side are a symbolic agricultural tool and a baton with a celestial globe and laurel wreath. On the top sits a banner emblazoned 'de pres de loin', 'near or far'. A superbly cast and chased case richly embelished with symbolic Empire designs. The 8 day silk suspension movement signed Picnot a Paris, who is recorded in Tardy's 'Dictionnaire des Horlogers Française' as working from the Rue du Fosses in Montmartre in 1812. For an identical clock see Elke Niehüser 'Die Französische Bronzeuhr', page 232. French, circa 1820.

H 52.5cm x W 38cm x D 11.5cm