An Empire ormolu and verde antico marble mantel clock circa 1815, the dial signed Gabriel Le Roy Rue de Temple No. 115 a Paris

Phoenix Art Museum, September 25, 1998 - January 10, 1999

With light rubbing to ormolu in areas; not extensive. Minor traces of oxidation and surface dirt. Marble with scattered chips. Base with ormolu plaque with restored break to one corner. In good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The painting as well as another clock of this model are illustrated H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, Vol I., p. 370, figs. 5.13.13 and 5.13.15. The base of the clock illustrates the tragic outcome as Hippolytus is killed by a sea monster while riding his chariot at his father's instigation.

Other examples are in the British Embassy, Paris (Tardy, French Clocks the World Over, Paris, 1981, p. 271), The Palazzo Pitti, Florence and the Ruspoli-Talleyrand Collection, Florence (signed Galle).

J. Ramon Colon de Carvajal, Catalogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1987, p. 186, no. 166.  Pierre Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la Pendule Francaise, Paris, 1997, p. 413, fig. c.  This clock is identical to a model signed by Lesieur now in the Musee de Malmaison (MM 40-47-470).  There are other closely related models including one in the Spanish Royal Collection, see Carvajal, op. cit., p. 186.