Fireplace Trim XIXth Century

An important piece of porcelain en gros gros de Sèvres decorated with gilt and gilt bronze. The clock is the head of a cherub seated on a terrace of flowers holding with one hand the lyre and the other a bunch of grapes. This lid is removable, released from the pendulum gives access to the operation of the movement and the balance. In the center, the blue baluster shaped vase is decorated on each side with a ram's head holding an oak branch in their mouths. In Celtic mythology the ram symbolizes the strength of nature as well as fertility. The dial is also crowned with acorns and oak leaves, the Roman and Arabic numerals are blue on an enameled white background, movement of Samuel Marti (1811-1869) at hours and minutes. On the front, the base of the clock has three highlights, decorated with two porcelain plates and a bronze quiver with musical attributes, the terraces on each side are curved and semicircular, decorated with grooves, foliage and rosettes. They are flanked by broad scrolls and acanthus leaves. Above the shower foot is ringed by a bronze laurel wreath symbolizing victory, genius and immortality. The set is supported by six tops with interlace patterns. The blue porcelain of the vases has an ovoid groove, enhanced with golden fillets. In the center of the vases a medallion with row of pearls is capped by a ribbon in the shape of a knot. (Restoration on a branch). The sides are decorated with molded bronze handles ending in mascarons which usually represent an original human figure, funny or frightening. Originally, the function of the mascaron was to remove evil spirits from the dwelling. The Cabochons with a shape of pine cone are removable (porcelain restored on one of the two Cabochons). The double-sided bases are also highlighted, decorated with volutes in the form of mascarons whose faces differ from those of the central part. This important Second Empire garnish is very representative of the opulence under Napoleon III blending the various styles of the XVIIIth. Some slight wear to the gilding on the flat parts. Two signatures that are delebile were found inside the blue porcelain. (See photos). Pendulum Width: 53cm Height: 82cm Depth: 27cm Vases Width: 35cm Height: 70cm Depth: 25cm