LeRoy & Fils French Empire Bronze Mantel Clock
circa 1830 – 1840, time and strike movement numbered “499” and marked “P / N: 609/ LEROY & FILS / HGERS DU ROI / A PARIS,” dial reads “LeRoy & Fils / Paris,” solid bronze construction throughout with all elements heavily gilt save the column upon which the clock rests. The scene depicted shows the Greek hero Odysseus carrying the ailing Philoctetes either to or from exile on the island of Lemnos. As told by the playwright Sophocles, the dying Heracles bequeathed his bow and arrows to the Thessalian archer Philoctetes. The latter suffered a poisonous snake bite at the onset of the Trojan War that became highly noxious. Unable to endure the stink of Philoctetes’ wound, his comrades had Odysseus leave him on Lemnos. Ten years later a prophecy foretold that Philoctetes, using the weapons left him by Heracles, would be instrumental in defeating Troy. The war-weary Greeks sent Odysseus and Neoptolemus to the rescue, with Philoctetes being healed and ultimately slaying the Trojan prince Paris.
20.75 x 17.75 x 7.75 in.
Gilt worn from hands; pinpoint age spotting throughout; some green verdigris on rear of column.
Estate Collection of Arthur H. & Bonnie Hemmerlein of Emerald Isle, North Carolina
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