CA0378 Fine French Empire clock of Alcibiades with the bust of Socrates

Fine French Empire period ormolu and marble clock dipicting the Athenian politician and commander Alcibiades (451-404) with the bust of Socrates by Lesieur. Born into one of Athens' most illustrious families and raised by Perikles, Alcibiades was a charismatic politician taught by Socrates but with an unruly playboy reputation. He fought at the Battle of Potidaea in 432 BC, where Socrates was said to have saved his life and later at the Battle of Delium in 424 BC. Beautifully modelled and finely cast and chased clock with General Alcibiades holding a treastise, leaning on a plinth housing the two train silk suspension movement stamped Lesieur and topped by a bust of his friend, and possible lover, the philosopher Socrates. François-Eugène Lesieur is recorded in Tardy working on the Vieille rue du Temple in 1806. The clock sits and on a green Marbre Vert block base with bun feet and an ormolu relief panel showing Alcibiades being advised by Socrates with classical floral mounts. Fine example of a rare clock. Movement recently professionally restored and serviced. Paris, France, circa 1810. 

 H 50cm x W 33cm x D 14cm