Empire Bronze Clock "Fidelity"

An Empire-style mantel clock in bronze with an allegorical subject illustrating fidelity. It depicts a seated woman, leaning on her desk and stroking her dog, a symbol of loyalty. The scene rests on a base containing the movement, adorned with a bas-relief depicting the woman's lover holding the letter she had written to him and speaking to his dog. Symbolically, the animal unites the two lovers. On the other side of the dial are an oil lamp and a basket of flowers. The furniture and clothing worn by the figures are in the Empire style . The base is decorated with an applied motif of Mercury's caduceus amidst branches, flanked by the winged hat of Mercury, the messenger god. This mantel clock rests on four toupie feet. Circa 1800

Condition report : beautiful original mercury gilding with slight wear consistent with age. Original wire-wound movement, cleaned, serviced and in working order.