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Rare mythological Empire mantel clock with Zephyr

Mythological Empire mantel clock with Zephyr

Rare mythological Empire mantel clock representing Zephyr under a tree. Zephyr (or Zephyrus), is the Greek god of the west wind. The gentlest of the winds, Zephyr is known as the fructifying wind, the messenger of spring.

This gilt bronze Empire clock rests on a rectangular base, supported by feet in the shape of butterfly wings. The base has a frieze representing a Greek deity surrounded by flowers and trees. Also, on the right, we see Zephyr flying and bringing more garlands of flowers. On top of the base we see the subject representing Zephyr under a branch. The case housing the clockwork has the shape of a tree trunk.

Details of this mythological Empire clock

This Empire clock is in a very good and working condition. The movement has a pendulum with silk suspension and anchor escapement. It has a white enameled dial with Roman numerals. The clockwork strikes the hours and half hours on a bell, regulated by a count wheel. It comes complete with pendulum, bell and key.

Dimensions: 45 cm high, 31 cm wide, 14 cm deep.
Weight: 6.8 kg.

Mythology of Zephyr

Zephyr was one of the four wind gods (or Anemoi) of Greek mythology. Representing the west wind, Zephyr was considered to be the gentlest of the winds, and the beneficial bringer of spring. His brothers were Boreas, the north wind, Notus, the south wind, and Eurus, the east wind. Zephyr was depicted in classical art as a handsome, winged youth.

For the Ancient Greeks, Zephyr was more than just a wind god, they also saw Zephyr as the god of spring, for the gentle winds of the west which came more prevalent in the springtime, indicated an end to winter, and the time when plants and flowers started to grow.

Zephyr was said to have vied for the attention of the Spartan youth Hyacinth. Because of he beauty of Hyacinth, the god Apollo also became interested in him. And Hyacinth chose the love of Apollo over Zephyr. A jealous Zephyr would then cause the death of Hyacinth. Because when Apollo and Hyacinth threw a discus, Zephyr caused a gust of wind to redirect the discus thrown by Apollo, so that it hit the head of Hyacinth, striking him down dead.

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