A large and attractive French Empire ormolu and bronze marble mantel clock, Cardineaux

16.5-cm enamel dial with Arabic numerals with further calibration for minutes and date, signed Cardineaux à Paris for the horloger and Coteau for the enameler, finely pierced and engraved gilt sunburst hands and steel date pointer, substantial countwheel bell striking anchor movement with silk suspended pendulum, ormolu drum case surmounted by a eagle on flambeaux, flanked by two patinated figures of a reading lady and a writing boy personifying Study, central section with a classical relief, white marble oval break arch base with a foliate pierced putti and mask relief flanked by masks in recessed medallions above the gadrooned feet

Similar models are illustrated in P.Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française, du moyen age au XXe siècle, p. 260-261.  . Niehüser, Die Französische Bronzeuhr, Eine Typologie der figürlichen Darstellungen, Munich, 1997, p.86.

quality dial in good condition, one small chip at the left winding hole, dial feet lacking and dial now screwed to the dialplate (well done) hands in good condition, movement able to function and in good condition, case in good condition, drum a little rubbed, gilding further in good condition, writing pad of the boy loose but with the clock (possibly of later date), marble with minute rim chips but in overall good condition, together with a pendulum
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

This clock was a hugely popular model in the late 18υth century. Entitled L'Etude et la Philosophie, or Les Arts et les Sciences, the figures were originally supplied to the Sèvres factory for reproduction in biscuit porcelain by the sculptor Simon-Louis Boizot. The model for the clock incorporating these figures derives from a drawing in a catalogue produced by François Rémond circa 1785. The present model follows the drawing extremely closely with an identical displayed eagle, figures, plaque centering the figures and frieze with a mask and winged putti. Ottomeyer & Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich 1986, p. 294-295