The Empire clock is the translation of the famous painting by Jacques Louis David (Oil on canvas 330×425 cm, Musee du Louvre), into a bronze. On the left, the three sons, with arms raised, are taking the oath, on the right, their father, Horatius, accepting their oath and symbolically holding three swords in his hands. On the top of the clock laurel wreaths are resting in anticipation of victory. On the base a relief shows a battle scene. The tale ideolizes the personal and sacrifies for the good of the country, leaving personal and sentimental interests and feelings behind. Several variations of this famous clock do exist, one which is by Claude Galle (1759–1815).

Literature: Ottomeyer - Pröschel, part I, no. 5.13.5., p. 367. Similar examples at Buckingham Palace, Stockholms Castle, and Mobilier National, Paris. Elke Niehüser, French Bronze Clocks, München 1997, p. 70.