Antique French Empire period ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock representing ceres. The crowning of Ceres is a stunning clock of very fine quality and with totally original fire gilded ormolu. The clock represents Ceres, the Roman goddess of corn and harvests. The luxuriant vegetation illustrates the theme of abundance so common under the empire. The look of the clock is a scene of theater, with a sheaf of wheat at the centre and two vases to the sides filled with cobs. On the base relief bouquets and horns of plenty are offered to ceres who embraces yet another sheaf of wheat. The poppy, a plant of great fecundity, and the sickles which complete the décor are among the attributes associated with her. The butterflies symbolize renewal. A fine ormolu mount in the base of the clock shows cupid holding a sickle. An inventory in 1811 indicates the presence of an identical model in the Palais de Compiegne. Signed on the dial Revel Rue De Richelieu. The movement is of 8 day duration, regulated by a silk suspended pendulum and strikes the hours and halves on a cast bell by means of countwheel strike. Circa 1807 to 1810 ref Tardy 45cm High by 29cm wide and 10cm deep. In L. Montanes Catalogo del Museo de Reloges de las Bodegas pp 46. Also Orologi negli arredi del Palazzo Reale di Torino e delle residenze sabaude, pp 178. Also " Pendules du Mobilier National 1800-1870". By Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet. Pp.134 pl 63.