Gilt Bronze Clock, Japy Brothers, 19th Century

Gilt bronze clock – Japy Frères – Napoleon III period, circa 1860. An elegant clock in finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze, depicting a young woman draped in classical style, leaning on a post and holding a book, an allegory of Reading or Education. The circular white enamel dial, with black Roman numerals, is set within a richly decorated mount featuring finely worked foliage. Original openwork bronze hands. The stepped, architecturally designed base has a gadrooned frieze and rests on Louis XV-inspired scroll feet, typical of the eclectic taste of the Second Empire. Mechanical movement with wire winding, signed Japy Frères with the round "Médaille d'Honneur" stamp, datable to the years 1855–1870. Very high quality of casting and chasing. Original gilding well preserved. A beautiful decorative piece. Dimensions: Height: 35 cm Width: 27 cm. Complete movement with pendulum and key. (Functioning details to be specified.)