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French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock Depicting the Lydian Queen Omphale
About the Item
An early 19 century French Empire gilt bronze clock depicting the mythological Lydian Queen Omphale sitting astride on a draped drum that contains the clock's dial and the movement. Omphale is shown with the Nemean Lion's fleece at her feet on one side of the dial hodoing holding one end of Hercules' club used to kill the lion, propped against the other side of the dial. The whole is supported on a rectangular gilt bronze base on toupie feet. A frieze on the base of the clock depicts the male female role reversal central to the mythological story with Hercules holding a spindle, and Omphale sitting on the fleece and holding the club Hercules killed the lion with in her hand.
The clock has it's original silk string suspension movement ringing the hours and half hours on a bell.
As the story goes and wishing to atone for a crime he committed Hercules consulted The Oracle of Apollo for guidance who advised him to enter into slavery at the service of the Omphale Queen of Lydia. What could be more humbling than subjecting the mighty Hercules, the son of Zeus famed for his invincible strength, to submit to tasks that in classical times were considered women's work such as spinning wool. The story does have a happy ending with Hercules eventually freed from slavery and marrying Omphale.
- Dimensions:Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
- Style:Empire (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1815
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Vancouver, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4631215814531
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2019
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Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Vancouver, Canada
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
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