Cronos figure clock in painted and gilded wood, mid-18th century

This carved clock, made of painted and gilded wood, dates from the mid-18th century and is in the Rococo style. The piece depicts Cronos, the personification of time in Greek mythology, portrayed as a winged old man. The figure is clad in a blue drape studded with golden stars and rests upon an imposing, undulating volute. He holds the circular dial, featuring Roman numerals, in his arms. On the reverse, the mechanical movement is adorned with small red garnets. The clock measures 40 cm in height, 30 cm in width and 15 cm in depth, with visible signs of wear on the gilding and polychrome paintwork.