Empire Clock “madame Récamier”

France, circa 1810Dimensions: H. 41 × W. 30 × D. 12 cmLater wooden baseA very elegant French Empire clock, in finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze, depicting a classical lady lying on a daybed in the antique style, holding an open book. This scene is clearly inspired by the famous Madame Récamier, muse of neoclassicism and an emblematic figure of refinement under the Consulate and the Empire.The daybed, decorated with rosettes, lion's paw feet and tasseled friezes, rests on tapered columns. On either side of the dial are two superb bas-reliefs depicting seated muses, dressed in the antique style, probably evoking reading and reflection.The white enamel dial, with Roman numerals and blued steel hands in the Breguet style, has two winding holes. The movement is equipped with an anchor escapement and a balance wheel, with a bell striking the hours and half hours. The clock rests on a later mahogany base, decorated with gilt bronze elements in the Empire style. Although not original, this base fits harmoniously with the upper part, which is itself entirely authentic. A poetic and intellectual piece, reflecting the Empire taste for Antiquity, feminine grace and the cultured life.