Fine French Empire Period Greek Muses Ormolu & Marble Mantel Clock

Lot description

French Empire period patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock, attributed by the consignor to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843), early 19th c., with large figural topper modeled as the Greek Muse Clio holding book, beside white porcelain dial marked Armingaud L'ie Paris (Armingaud L'aine, active in Paris c.1806-1813), with Roman numeral hour markers, time-and-strike movement with silk suspension spring, with incised mark "PFE? 74039 METLA," rising on marble base with central wreath, flanked by seated Muses, ending on winged paw feet, accompanied by pendulum, observed operating for five minutes, typical small chips to dial near keyholes, approx 23"h, 16"w, 8"d, 53lbs Provenance: According to the consignor, an entirely gilt bronze version of this mantel clock resided in the Grand Trianon at Versailles and at the Chateau de Fontainebleau in Fontainebleau, France