A fine Directoire patinated and gilt bronze allegorical mantel clock "au bon sauvage" with figure personifying Africa; the dial signed Terrien à Paris; first quarter 19th century. Photo Bonhams.

The seated figure, accompanied by a panther and a tortoise, carrying a bow and quiver of arrows, on shaped oval base with frieze of putti gathering food, all raised on toupee feet, signed white enamel dial with roman chapters, gilt hands, circular movement with thread suspended pendulum to anchor escapement, count wheel striking the hour and half hour on bell height 18in (45cm). Estimate US$ 25,000 - 35,000 (€18,000 - 26,000)

Notes: After a design dated 1799 by Jean-Simon Deverberie (1784-1824) which is preserved in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris.

This clock and others with similar themes appeared at the end of the 18th century in response to the appeal of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's idealized "homme naturel" as portrayed in popular literature.

Bonhams. FINE AMERICAN & EUROPEAN FURNITURE, SILVER, FOLK AND DECORATIVE ARTS & CLOCKS. New York. 23 Jan 2014 - www.bonhams.com