A fine French Charles X ormolu mantel clock. This figural mantel clock loosely takes its inspiration from Botticelli's "Venus rising from the sea". Venus in classical robes can be seen leaning against a stylized boulder on a rocky shore with waves lapping at her feet. She has a scarf framing her beautiful face and giving an impression of a breezy scene. The rectangular base sits upon four bracket feet and in the base is a fine frieze in bold relief. The frieze shows several classical scenes including Venus in a chariot being pulled through the sea by dolphins, Venus being lifted from the waves by Neptune and sea gods riding winged horses. Also cupids are seen in the sky and to the left Zephyrs blow. The dial is silvered and has blued steel Breguet style hands, the dial is signed but the signature is unclear. The dial can be cleaned. The movement is an 8 day key wound movement with silk suspension pendulum striking the hours and halves on a bell by means of countwheel strike. The mercury or fire gilding is original and in superb condition though uncleaned ( it can be cleaned if required). France circa 1820. Similar clock in Catalogo de Relojes del Patrimoni National by J. Ramon Colon de Carvajal pp.217. 23 inches high by 14 inches wide by 5 inches deep ( 57.5 cms by 35 cms by 12.5 cms).