A fine ormolu figural clock in the Louis XV manner, 19th century, with maker's mark Sj, the finely cast figure of renowned 17th century salonist and friend of La Fontaine, Madame de la Sabliere in her library, leaning upon a pier supporting an enamel dial, the whole upon a plinth decorated with a draped floral border and a scale design above rocaille embellishments and piercings, and a plaque containing a profile of La Fontaine; with key. Height 45.5 cm. Width 33 cm. Depth 13.5 cm
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- Ormolu - Ormolu was popular with French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th century for ornamental fittings for furniture, clocks and other decorative items. True ormolu is gilt bronze, that is bronze that has been coated with gold using a mercury amalgam. Due to the health risks associated with using mercury, this method of creating ormolu was discontinued in France in the 1830s. A substitute was developed consisting of about 75% copper and 25% zinc, however it was inferior to the bronze version. It was often lacquered to prevent it tarnishing.
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