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Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Lyre-Form Mantel Clock French, late 19th / early 20th century The circular enamel dial with Arabic numerals and pierced gilt hands, centered by a glazed aperture revealing the movement, within a beaded bezel, the case conceived in the form of a classical lyre. The arched frame enriched with laurel-wreath mounts and scrolling foliate terminals, surmounted by a radiant sunburst crest issuing from a classical female mask, flanked by scrolling arms suspending applied floral garlands. The dial suspended by fine vertical supports beneath a floral swag mount, raised on a shaped verde marble base with gilt-bronze edging and toupie feet, the whole displaying finely chased ormolu decoration throughout. Height: approximately -- in (92.5 cm) Width: approximately -- in (34 cm) Depth: approximately -- in (23 cm) Specialist’s Note Lyre-form clocks such as this are inspired by Neoclassical models popularized in France during the late 18th century and revived during the Belle Époque, drawing on ancient Greek symbolism where the lyre represented harmony, music, and refinement. The radiant sunburst crest and classical mask evoke allegorical imagery associated with Apollo and the arts, themes frequently embraced by Parisian bronze workshops supplying decorative clocks for grand interiors. The present example is distinguished by its ambitious scale, richly chased gilt-bronze ornament, and dramatic architectural silhouette. The openwork lyre frame, garlanded embellishments, and visible movement create a strong visual interplay between structure and decoration, while the verde marble base adds contrast and gravitas. Such clocks were produced for the luxury market and intended as statement pieces for mantel or console display, combining sculptural presence with horological function. Today, they remain highly decorative objects prized for their theatrical Neoclassical design and refined craftsmanship.