A FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE ORMOLU AND BRONZE MANTEL CLOCK DEPICTING THE SACRIFICE OF IPHIGENIA

Achilles and Agamemnon standing beside the rectangular clock case, with a bas-relief below showing Iphigenia being brought to a sacrificial altar, flanked to each side by a pierced military trophy, on claw feet, the 4in gilt engine-turned dial with blued steel moon hands, the drum-shaped movement with silk suspension and countwheel strike on a bell

56cm high

Iphigenia was the daughter of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, who led the Greek forces against Troy.  His expedition was at first prevented from sailing by unfavourable winds, so Agamemnon consulted a seer.  He was told that, as he had killed a stag which was sacred to Diana, he had to regain her favour by sacrificing his daughter to her.  Iphigenia accepted her fate, motivated by patriotism.  At the last minute, however, Diana substituted her for a stag and carried her away to be her priestess.

CONDITION REPORT

In good original condition.  The clock ticks and strikes though there is no key.  We don't have thependulum .  The movement may require a service.