French Empire Period Bronze Classical Bust Mantel Clock

Lot description

French Empire period patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock, early 19th c., surmounted by a bust of the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix (138-78 BCE), on plinth inscribed "Sylla," stepped rectangular case with acanthus leaf trim and laurel wreath mounts, centering gilt guilloche dial with Roman numeral hour markers, time-and-strike movement marked Cleret (Paris, Rue de Thionville, 1806/ Rue de Monnaie, 1812-1820), rising on stepped platform and block feet, accompanied by pendulum, not currently operational, appears to be wound tight, approx 16.5"h, 7"w, 4.25"d, 12lbs Note: A similar clock appears in Tardy's "Dictionnaire des Horlogers Francais" (Dictionary of French Watchmakers). The listing mentions that the bust closely resembles Napoleon Bonaparte (French, 1769-1821) and does not match recorded descriptions of the Roman general Sulla. This subtle political conflation would have been made during the French Royalists' first campaign.