Mantel Clock

Covered in finely-wrought gilt bronze, this clock depicts the story of the education of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Young Bacchus’ cup is filled by a beautiful bacchante and his emblems of wine ewer, grapes, and vine leaves hang over the top of the case. Though gilt bronze has very little intrinsic value, the high level of technical skill required to work the material and the dangers involved in the process made it very expensive. The final application of mercury, used to achieve its brilliant surface, emitted poisonous vapors, endangering the lives of the bronze workers.