Jason's Chariot Pendulum, Gilded Bronze, France, Empire Period

A fine mercury-gilded bronze table clock depicting Jason’s chariot, France, Empire period, first quarter of the 19th century; the warrior, wearing a plumed helmet and a short, muscular tunic, is depicted standing on the chariot in the act of reining in the rearing horse, rendered with extreme sculptural vigor in the flowing mane and taut musculature, while the twisted-cord gilded bronze reins wind their way down to the bit; the white enameled dial with black Roman numerals is set within the chariot’s radiating wheel, following the famous “pendule au char” design so popular in neoclassical and post-revolutionary tastes; on the back of the case, a shield bearing the head of Medusa in high relief completes the war-themed iconography; the rectangular base, richly chiseled, features laurel wreaths tied with ribbon and a central trophy of arms (helmets, quiver, fasces, arrows, and a spear), resting on four lion-paw feet; the gilding, of impeccable quality and particularly well-preserved across all surfaces, lends the piece a brilliance rare for works of this period; a work of refined craftsmanship, attributable to the finest Parisian bronze casting of the Empire era, in terms of subject matter, casting quality, and chiseling.