Clock 1800 - 1815

This clock, made by Bouchet in the late 18th or early 19th century, presents a fascinating array of symbols. Atop the clock, you see two figures, draped in classical garb, perhaps representing idealized love or harmony, reminiscent of ancient Roman depictions of marital concord. Beneath them, stars encircle the clock face, universal symbols of guidance or destiny. But what are we to make of the hunting scene depicted below, where men and dogs chase after game? Such imagery stretches back to ancient Egypt, often symbolizing dominion over the natural world, or perhaps the fleeting nature of time itself. Consider the lions at the base, guardians of sacred spaces, their presence lending a solemn weight to the passage of time. It is in this way that visual symbols and motifs resonate across time and space, evoking primal emotions and compelling our subconscious. The interplay of classical figures, celestial symbols, and earthly pursuits engages us, reminding us of our complex relationship with time and the world around us.