A clock made during the period 1802-14, when Napoleon ruled as emperor of the French. Gilt-bronze cases with figures developed the Directoire themes, but these became subtly influenced by the symbolism of the Empire, as well as by the taste for Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities encouraged by the excavations ordered by Napoleon during his Egyptian campaigns. This gilt-metal form of mantel clock, with figures dominating the case, was to remain popular in France in various forms until after c. 1830.