Empire-style Gilded Bronze Mantelpiece Ornament, “la Liseuse”

A superb Empire-period mantelpiece set, crafted from finely chiseled and gilded bronze, consisting of a clock and a pair of five-candle candlesticks.

The clock is adorned with an elegant female figure draped in the classical style, leaning against the case and holding a book, evoking a muse or an allegory of the Arts and Letters. The circular dial with Roman numerals is surrounded by a rich decoration of plant garlands, palmettes, swans, and neoclassical motifs.

The base features remarkable applied decoration with two winged putti holding tablets or books, framing a central medallion depicting an ancient figure, all embellished with foliage, leaves, and Empire-style motifs.

The pair of candlesticks echoes the same decorative vocabulary: fluted shafts, capitals adorned with acanthus leaves, wide bases decorated with palmettes and branches of light shaped like cornucopias, topped with five finials.

A beautiful decorative presence and a particularly harmonious ensemble, typical of early 19th-century French Empire style.

Dimensions:

• Clock: H. 52 × W. 34 × D. 14 cm
• Candelabra: H. 61 cm
• Material: chiseled and gilded bronze
• Period: Empire, early 19th century
• Mechanical spring-driven movement, with wire suspension and gong chime. (Movement is functional but not guaranteed)

Condition: generally good for its age, with beautiful antique gilding showing patina and signs of wear. Sold as is; see photos.