Grecian Revival Mantel Clock Medieval Bronze

Exceptional Grecian Revival Gilt Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1880. Standing at 29" tall, it is a mantle clock of grand proportions having a thick black slate case fitted with a gilt dial, flanked by two mythological winged beasts clutching a serpent, the apron centered by a female mask, on naturalistic openwork scroll feet, surmounted by a patinated bronze group depicting a knight on horseback slaying the fallen warrior. This outstanding bronze is after a work made famous by Theodore Gechter (1796-1844) in the Louvre, Dpt. des Sculptures, Paris, France.

In this highly charged scene of battle, Gechter chose to depict Charles Martel at the Battle of Poitiers (732), about to slay the Muslim Governor of Spain, Abd-er-Rahman (Roi des Sarrazins) or king of the Saracens. The Arab leader had advanced with a huge army into Aquitaine and was closing on Tours when Martel (688-741), the leader of the Franks, arrived with his cavalry. The battle remains one of the great events of history, as it secured from threat the future of Christian civilization in Europe. The battle also gave Charles his name, Martel - 'The Hammer'' because of the merciless way he dispatched his enemy. Condition: minor losses to black slate case on rear sides, otherwise excellent.