A majestic Directoire period portico clock in white and black marble, adorned with gilt and patinated bronze mounts. In the "Egyptian Revival" style, it features two pedestals decorated with vestal caryatids in sheaths, surrounded by urns of flowers in the round. These are surmounted by two patinated winged sphinxes. These two sections are joined by a circular white enamel dial protected by a glass cover, displaying the hours in Roman numerals and two gilt bronze hands. Above the dial is an eagle with outstretched wings and a garland of flowers. Below, there is drapery and an elongated palmette. The pendulum is decorated with a radiant cherub. The whole rests on a black marble base with four small feet, adorned with bronze bas-reliefs depicting children playing. This clock is signed on the dial "Chopin à Paris," a clockmaker listed in Tardy's dictionary of clockmakers.

This clock showcases the skill of bronze artists during the Directory period, drawing inspiration from Orientalist influences brought back from Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian campaign.
If you'd like to learn more about the "Return from Egypt" style, you can find our blog post on the Directoire style here .

Base dimensions: 48.5 cm x 11.5 cm.
Directoire period, circa 1790.
Dimensions: L: 48.5 cm, D: 13 cm, H: 63.5 cm.
Dimensions: W: 19.1 in, D: 5.1 in, H: 25 in.
Condition report: In good overall condition. Small chip to the enamel on the dial. The movement has been cleaned, serviced, and is in working order.