Figural Clocks

Figural clocks were a popular variation of the Viennese mantel clock and wall clock during the first half of the 19th century. Their cases depict human figures or animal sculptures, which are sometimes equipped with a moving-eyes automaton. Other than French figural clocks, Viennese figural clocks were not made out of bronze but out of carved, mounted and/or gilt lime wood. The Austrian case and cabinet makers achieved such mastery that their cases are often mistaken for bronze at first glance.