Gilt Bronze Table Clock, “the Literature,” 19th Century Era

Gilt bronze table clock, “The Literature,” 19th century era

Gilt bronze clock, crafted with great skill to achieve a rich and detailed effect.

Epoch: 19th century (circa 1800).

Style: French Empire, characterized by elegant lines, neoclassical motifs and allegorical decoration.

Distinctive elements
Female writing figure:
On the right side, a female figure dressed in classical clothing is depicted sitting on a bench, intent on writing with a quill pen on a table with inkwell and parchment.
She probably represents the muse of literature or an allegorical figure related to writing and knowledge.

Clock face:
It is set in a square frame adorned with decorative motifs typical of the period, with eagles and masks.
The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands.

It bears the signature “Saunois Albertus,” a watchmaker active in France in the 19th century.