Mantel clock

Clock cases made of gilt bronze – incorporating figures, animals, and motifs found in nature with porcelain flowers – were very popular in France during the mid-1700s. This example is notable for the distinctive design and execution of the gilt bronze. It is dominated by rockwork, splashing water, shells, and toadstools on a gnarled tree trunk with rough, decaying bark and branches. There are also somewhat awkward human and animal figures, all of different and incongruous scales.