Empire Mantel Clock In Gilt Bronze „telemachus Chariot“

Old Empire chariot clock in chiseled and gilded bronze. The magnificent casket depicting the figure of Telemachus standing in his chariot pulled by a pair of rearing horses, at the front of the chariot is the head of a roaring lion and at the back standing behind Telemachus is Athena, the warrior goddess wearing his helmet and holding in his left hand a cast shield with the head of Medusa and in his right hand a spear, the chariot and horses on a rectangular base at each corner with ax heads projecting upwards The dial is placed in the wheel of the chariot which has finely molded spokes. The dial is signed Le Roy in Paris. The movement is an 8-day silk suspension and bell striking the hours and half hours by means of a count wheel. French circa 1810. Like many important figurative clocks created during Napoleon's reign, this exquisitely fine bronze case tells the story of one of the ancient heroes whose valiant deeds embodied the spirit of Napoleon's Empire. As such, it illustrates the adventures of Telemachus, son of Ulysses and his beautiful wife Penelope. According to Homer's Odyssey, Telemachus was persuaded by the gods to fetch his father after he failed to return home at the end of the Trojan Wars. Since Telemachus' family tried to keep him at home, Athena disguised herself as Telemachus' former tutor named Mentor. Thus Telemachus is shown here on his chariot, mounted with a lion's head to symbolize the Force and overseen behind by Athena who wears her usual appearance of a helmet and holds a shield and spear. See Niehüser "French Bronze Clocks" pp 69, and "La pendule Française" by Pierre Kjellberg, page 417 under C.