Empire Style Desk Clock Depicting Hercules, The Nemean Lion, In Gilt Bronze, 19th Century

A small, finely chased gilt bronze desk clock depicting Hercules (or Heracles) standing with the skin of the Nemean lion on his back, holding his club in his right hand; his left hand rests above mythological warrior attributes: a laurel wreath, oak leaves, and arrows framing a dead Stymphalian bird. Dating from the First Empire period, early 19th century, this clock is in good overall condition, showing its age. It is very decorative. The base is adorned with palmette friezes and rests on small toupie feet. Its balance cock movement is not working and will need servicing. Note: Damage to the enamel of the dial (and to one hand), some slight soiling and wear to the gilding, see photos. * The battle of Heracles against the Nemean Lion is the first labor of Heracles (or Hercules). In the great forest of Nemea in Argolis, a region of the Peloponnese, lived a lion that devoured herds of cattle. This lion, son of Selene, the goddess of the moon, possessed immense strength and had a very tough hide, impenetrable to arrows. Heracles was ordered to kill the lion. The arrows he fired at it fell broken around the beast. With his club, Heracles tried to stun it. But this was useless because the lion's skull was protected by its very thick hide. Heracles then decided to strangle the lion with his bare hands. The battle began: the lion resisted but was ultimately defeated. Heracles cut the skin with the lion's claws. This skin then served as his cloak and breastplate, with the lion's skull serving as his helmet. In Greek mythology, the Stymphalian birds (trained by Ares) were carnivores, feeding on human flesh. Killing the Stymphalian birds was Heracles' sixth (or, according to some authors, fifth) of the Twelve Labors. Dimensions: Base dimensions 15.8 cm x 6.5 cm; Height 22.5 cm. Reference: A10 326. All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com