Pendule - Mercury the messenger of the gods

Dimensions: H x W x D: 37 x 30 x 10 cm

Description:
French Empire pendulum with depiction of Mercury, messenger of the gods.

Clock standing on four round, finely chiselled feet.
In the base relief we see winged putti in the harbour, busy loading a ship with colonial goods such as tobacco and rum. To the left and right of the relief, on the slightly sloping sides, are applied scales and measuring and writing instruments.

The main focus is on the depiction of Mercury, leaning on a bale of tobacco and holding up a small bag (probably filled with gold coins). In Roman religion, Mercury was regarded as the messenger of the gods and the god of merchants. Both the base relief and the depiction of the sculptural bronze are allegorical of trade in goods from overseas.
On the other side of the tobacco bale we see the paddle, anchor and rum barrel as an allegory of seafaring.

Embedded in the tobacco bale is the French pendulum movement striking the bell on the half and full hour. The thread suspension of the pendulum and the lock disc striking movement are typical of the period. Eight-day movement.
Enamel dial with Roman numerals and Arabic quarter hours. Signed: Riquier á Amiens.

In design, this clock differs from the Matelo only in the main figure.

Condition: The completely cleaned movement runs absolutely perfectly and reliably. Bronze cleaned and partly new gilded.

Price: 5800,- €