French Empire Period 'La Liseuse' Mantel Clock

An attractive early 19th century French Empire period 'the Liseuse' or 'La Lectura' gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock. Surmounted by a figure of a young woman studying by lamp light, after a model by Jean-André REICHE (1752-1817). The movement is housed in a fantastic interpretation of a high empire table and the elaborately decorated chair in which the young student sits is sublime. A successful and popular model, this clock epitomised the empire period. An identical clock signed by Bailly was delivered in 1806 to the Palace of Fontainebleau. A very similar version can also be seen in 'Encyclopedie de La Pendule Francaise' by Pierre KJELLBERG, Editions de l'Amateur, Paris, 1997, p. 398. France, circa 1810.

H 34cm c W 29cm x D 13.5cm 

SOLD