Nineteenth Empire Mantel Clock

This refined fireplace clock made in the transitional Directoire-Empire style from gilded Bronze Directoire style aimed at a simpler, but still elegant, evocation of the virtues of the ancient Roman Empire. However and the Empire style brought a full return to ostentatious wealth. The use of gilded bronze reached its peak in the early nineteenth century in France, as it was cheaper than gold or silver. For this reason, it has become the material of choice for clock cases, ornamental elements, candelabras and furniture ornaments. Bronze was the main material used in Empire style watches and patina and gilded bronze techniques were widely used for ornamentation during this period. However, thanks to the skill of remarkable bronziers and chiselers, these objects are not only timepieces but become objects of art.