'Atala and Chactas'. Patinated and gilt bronze. Modelled as Atala freeing Chactas from his bonds, raised on a canted rectangular plinth with an inset panel depicting Chactas carrying Atala, a monk following behind, supported on toupie feet. Enamelled Roman dial. Length 32, width 11, height 39,5 cm. Pendulum and key included.
Elke Niehüser, "Die Französische Bronzeuhr", (München: Callwey, 1997) p. 144.
The model draws its inspiration from Chateaubriand's novel "Atala" published in 1801. A huge success, Napoleon rewarded Chateaubriand with the ambassadorship to Rome in gratitude. It also inspired depictions in various art forms—engravings, paintings, ballads, and here, as a clock case.