Gilded and patinated bronze CLOCK, the enamelled dial with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, set in a console-shaped post adorned with fringed draperies, framed by two Antique-style incense burners, the whole surmounted by a child at the side of a dog symbolizing fidelity. The base is decorated in bas-relief with flowering branches and rests on six small toupie feet. Empire period 48 x 33 x 12 cm (missing, worn and oxidized gilding)

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.