A rare Directoire ormolu and patinated bronze 'Au bon sauvage' mantel clock depicting Romulus and Remus, representing the birth of Rome circa 1800

Very minor chips to enamel of dial at one winding hole. Marble base with minor small chips one restored break to front bottom left 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.

This very rare, if not unique, model is not just stylistically – the general form, the combination of dark patinated and gilt bronze and the use of enamel eyes - but also thematically closely linked to the series of 'Au bon sauvage' clocks, which enjoyed great popularity in the late 18^th century. The story of Romulus and Remus and the She-wolf, marking the foundation of Rome,  is one of the many tales of children being adopted and nurtured by wolves, bears, monkeys, and other animals. As the medieval world gave way to the modern, the wodewose, or wild man of the woods, shifted from an archetype of chaos, insanity and heresy to one of natural harmony and enlightenment, culminating in Jean Jacques Rousseau's idea of the Noble Savage.  The wild man was both savage and sublime, an image of desire as well as punishment. Wild or feral children elicited both heart-rendering pity for their abandonment and wonder for their survival against such terrible odds.

For comparable 'Au bon sauvage' models, see P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la pendule francaise, Paris, 1997, p. 342-359.