Mantel Clock

Priestesses of the temple of Vesta, the ancient Roman goddess of the hearth, appear on this clock carrying the altar with the sacred flame. One of their duties was to keep the altar fire in the temple burning continually, and the perpetual flame is an appropriate subject for a timepiece. The theme extends to the hour and minute hands, which are in the form of a snake, the symbol of eternity. This clock design proved to be a popular model. Pierre-Philippe Thomire produced a number of them, two of which were acquired by Queen Marie-Antoinette.