FURNITURE & WORKS OF ART
9901 An Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock by Lemoine, the chariot of Telemachus after the model by Jean-Baptiste Boyer, Telemachus shown driving his chariot with two rearing hoses, Athena standing behind holding her shield and spear, the clock movement incorporated into the spoked wheel, and on a plinth base decorated with laurel wreaths and and Jupiter’s eagle and with fasces at each corner. The dial signed by Lemoine, Paris.
French
1810
Width: 19.75 ins (50 cms)
Depth: 5 ins (13 cms)
Height: 18 ins (46 cms) £18,500
The beautiful bronze case of this clock was designed to embody the spirit of Napoleon’s own Empire, albeit through the ancient story of Telemachus. Homer’s Odyssey describes Telemachus being persuaded by the gods to go and search for his father after he failed to return home from the Trojan Wars. We see him here, guided by Athena disguised as his mentor, riding his chariot mounted with a lion head to symbolise Fortitude.
