Empire Period Bronze Clock By Ravrio

An important Empire clock (circa 1805-1810) in gilt bronze, dedicated to lyric poetry, represented by the muse Erato, standing, leaning on a pedestal housing the movement surmounted by a lyre. To the right is an Athenian-style incense burner with rams' heads. Friezes depict stylized swans, lyres, a woman's mask, and faun heads. Spindle feet.

Very fine original mercury gilding, both matte and burnished. Bronzes of exceptionally high-quality chasing.

Model by André-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814), bronze caster, chaser, and gilder, who became a master founder in 1777. One of the most talented and important Parisian bronze casters of the late 18th century and the First Empire, along with Thomire and Galle.
Supplier to Napoleon I and members of the imperial court.

The original movement is signed by the clockmaker Lefèvre, successor to Debelle.

Dimensions: 49 x 38 cm.

Very good condition.

The bronzes have just been cleaned (only a small ring is missing from the back of the Athenian woman).
The movement has not been serviced.

For information: A similar model, with a slight variation, is held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (inventory number 2014.112).
Another example is in the Musée François Duesberg (in Mons, Belgium).