A Directoire gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock "L'Afrique", Michel-Francois Piolaine, Paris, circa 1800

Property of a distinguished Italian collector

A Directoire gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock "L'Afrique", Michel-Francois Piolaine, Paris, circa 1800

4½-inch enamel dial signed Piolaine A Paris, bell striking movement with outside count wheel and silk suspension, the drum surmounted by a seated female and flanked by a lioness and tortoise, the bow-ended base applied with a frieze of putti at play and foliate swags

46cm. 18in. high