Beautiful Empire Mantel Timepiece ‘La leçon d’Astronomie’. The bronze case is fully gilt and decorated with bronze gilt ornaments depicting instruments of science. On top two seated lady's to a writingtable with draped tablecloth. The eight day movement with striking train placed in centre of the table. White enamel dial with black Roman numerals for the hours. France, circa 1800 Literature: A similar clock is printed on page 398 in the Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française, Pierre Kjelberg. Die Französische Bronzeuhr, Elke Niehüser, page 220.