Gilded Mercury Portico Clock - Period: 19th century

A very beautiful portico clock in chased bronze and gilded with mercury, from the "Return from Egypt" period. 
The uprights are formed by two Egyptian caryatids surmounted by lyres.
The pediment is decorated with roses and swans.
Two sphinxes highlight the gilt bronze dial.
The pendulum in the shape of a Lyre
It rests on a rectangular base finished by spinning top feet.
It has its own key.

Period: 1st Empire
Dimensions : Height : 43cm x Length : 22cm x Depth : 8,5 cm
Original mechanism without modification.
Overhauled by a clockmaker and in perfect working order.

This magnificent clock is rich in symbols, here the caryatids represent young Egyptian priestesses wearing a lyre.

In Greek mythology, the lyre is an instrument made by the god Hermes from a tortoise shell and given to the god Apollo who plays it beautifully. It represents the power of divination that emanates from the latter.

The lyre is also the attribute of the Muses Erato and Urania, who represent musical and poetic inspiration, and of Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, Lyric Poetry, Song and Choir.

The general appearance of the swan makes it a symbol of elegance, grace and beauty.  
In Greek mythology, the swan is the attribute of Apollo (the god of Light, Arts and Divination). 

The Sphinx is a female Sphinx.
For the Egyptians, the Sphinx symbolises strength and ferocity (expressed by the body of the sometimes winged lion), combined with intelligence, prudence and reflection (expressed by the human head). When the head represents that of a pharaoh, it underlines the image of a sovereign combining power and reason.
 
Power, intelligence, grace and poetry remind us that time is precious.