A FINE SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY FRENCH BRONZE AND MARBLE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK 'L'EMPLOI DU TEMPS' BY DENIERE, PARIS AFTER THE MODEL BY LAURENT GUIARD (1732-1788) in the Louis XVI style, depicting a classical maiden reclining and reading a book, leaning against the clock case which is modelled as a pedestal, raised on a white marble plinth with ormolu mounts depicting Cupids amongst scrolling acanthus leaves, with enamelled dial with Roman numerals and Arabic five minute outer track, signed 'DENIERE FT DE BRONZES PARIS', with twin train movement striking on a bell and numbered 3183, converted from silk suspension, signed 'Deniere', and stamped 'PONS Medaille D'or 1827', 57cm wide x 38cm high The movement is winding, ticking and striking but not fully tested or guaranteed. This fine clock produced by the prestigious bronze manufacturer Deniere, probably in the 1830's. The firm was established by Francois Matelin and Jean-François Dénière in Paris in 1803, and records show that it was based at 58 rue de Turenne in 1813 and at 9 rue d’Orléans au Marais by 1820. During this period the firm flourished, employing over two hundred workers, and supplied clocks and candelabra for the French palaces, most notably Versailles and the Grand Trianon. In 1822, Deniere received the title of Provider of the King, Queen, Princes and Princesses and the Conservation of the Crown Furnishings, and also counted among his privileged clients the Duchesse de Berry and the King of Spain. In 1844 Deniere's son Guillaume went into partnership with him and in the following years they exhibited at numerous exhibitions including the Great Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 in London. At the time they were favourably compared to the great ormolu master Thomire. Pons was also a highly regarded horologist, they used the 1827 Paris Medaille d'Or stamp which can be found on the present movement between 1827 and 1834, in 1834 they won the gold medal again. Related Literature: This model is illustrated in 'French Bronze Clocks', E. Niehuser, p. 81. An 18th century example is shown which also features a cockerel atop the pedestal beside the maiden, a reference to study and the sleepless nights and wakefulness that it requires.