White biscuit porcelain clock, ‘Orpheus Charming the Animals’, first quarter of the 19th century

Inspired by Greek mythology, this sculptural clock in white biscuit porcelain and gilt bronze depicts Orpheus leaning on the dial, holding a lyre and surrounded by animals including a dog, a goat and a sheep. The group rests on a rocky mound above a base decorated with applied gilt-bronze garlands and supported by a chased plinth. Dating from the first quarter of the 19th century, the piece is associated with the Manufacture du Duc d'Angoulême (Dihl et Guérhard), although it bears no mark. The enamel dial has Arabic numerals. Its original silk-suspension movement has been serviced by a professional clockmaker and is in working order. A similar version is held in the collection of the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild.