French Charles X Figural Mantel Clock

Fine Restauration period gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock, featuring the figure of the Greek god Chronos, also known as Father Time.

• In this representation, Chronos steps over an hourglass while holding a clock face up by the head of a serpent, which encircles it.
• Chronos' role as ruler of the cosmos in the pre-Olympian period of Greek mythology is also referenced in the swirling and billowing, cloud-like forms below his feet.
• The clock's base features a frieze with a finely cast and intricate gilt and patinated bronze vegetal motif typical of the Restauration style.
• Clock set on block feet with cast floral and vegetal details.

In Greek mythology, Chronos is the Titan god of time and is associated with the concept of time as a destructive force. Chronos (later known as the god Saturn by the Romans) was also a god of the harvest, and is often portrayed as an old man with a scythe.