Large Clock Depicting Achilles And Patroclus, Circa 1830

Large clock depicting Achilles and Patroclus
Bronze with a brown patina and Sienna yellow marble.
French craftsmanship.
Restoration period, circa 1820–1830.


Dimensions
Height: 82 cm
Width: 60 cm
Depth: 20 cm

Description
A very large clock depicting Achilles supported by Patroclus after the battle against Hector, capturing a moment of strength and heroic brotherhood.

The two Greek heroes are depicted in a highly realistic composition: Achilles, weakened after the battle, is supported by his friend and comrade-in-arms, Patroclus. The tension in the muscles, the fluidity of the drapery, and the facial expressions powerfully convey brotherhood and courage—central themes of early 19th-century Neoclassical sculpture. Every detail, from the drapery of the garments to the heroes’ expressions, attests to remarkable craftsmanship. The dark brown patina highlights the delicacy of the bronze and lends the scene a striking realism, transforming this clock into a true work of art.

The circular dial with Roman numerals is integrated into the base of the group, framed by warlike attributes—sword, helmet, and shield—symbolizing the heroes’ military glory. The ensemble rests on an imposing, architecturally designed base of Sienese yellow marble, decorated with a frieze of stylized palmettes and feet featuring volutes and foliage in finely chiseled gilded bronze.

This clock illustrates the influence of great Neoclassical sculptors such as Jean-Baptiste Vietty, François Rude, and David d’Angers, and reflects the refined taste of the first half of the 19th century for ancient subjects rendered with vigor and sensitivity.