Mantel clock

A gilt bronze mantel clock, with a decorative case that depicts the mythological figures of Diana holding a bow and Apollo with a lyre, leaning on a cuboidal sarcophagus-type pedestal supported by four cuboidal legs. The white enamel dial with Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes has been set into a brass plate. There is a partly worn inscription on the dial. Above is a flying genius with festoons of fruit symbolising auspicious times. At present, the clock, together with a pair of candlesticks, is presented in one of the representative interiors on the first floor of the Castle – the Great Dining Room. The figure of Apollo, the god of art, beauty, and light, as well as the protector of the muses, was placed on clocks from around the mid 18th century. His twin sister was Diana Artemis in Greek mythology) – goddess of hunting, the moon, and death. Both were considered guardians of peace and order in the world, and they acted against unruly and disruptive forces. Diana’s close affinity with Apollo, as well as her affirmation of life, meant that she was considered a great lover of dance and music.