Neoclassical French patinated and gilt bronze chime clock, the movement by Louis Moinet (1758-1853), the case likely by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), featuring a Roman goddess figure, probably Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom and War, leaning against a bronze plinth topped with books and decorated with a rooster and torches. The plinth is raised on a larger rectangular base with bas-relief ornamentation including a winged figure with tablet and cherub, a globe and other objects emblematic of learning and education. Silvered circular dial with Roman numerals and steel hands, enclosed in gilt anthemion banding. Works marked "L Moinet A. Paris". 22"H x 15"W x 6"D. Circa 1825. Note: Both Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe purchased clocks made by Louis Moinet. Jefferson's clock was used in the White House and now resides at Monticello; in 1817 Monroe commissioned the "Minerva" clock (somewhat similar to this one but entirely in gilt bronze), which has adorned the White House Blue Room for more than 2 centuries. Louis Moinet was an important horologist, scholar and inventory who served as President of the Chronometry Society in Paris and taught at the Academie des Beaux-Arts. He was secretary to the eminent clockmaker Abraham Louis Breguet and in 1851 presented a chronometer at the Great Exhibition of London. He and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire produced a number of important clocks for world leaders in the first half of the 19th century, including Napoleon Bonaparte, George IV of England and Tsar Alexander of Russia.

PROVENANCE: Estate of Judge John Nixon, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Tiny scratch and small area of light discoloration to subject's hand. Wear/oxidation to dial. Key present. Escapement not visible. Works appear to be complete but not tested.