These pendulum clocks not only tell time but also depict magnificent bronze and gilded sculptures which more or less relate to time, especially of Greek and Roman mythology, American Indian or African origin, and inhabitants of exotic countries. The author explains the underlying stories and scenes of everyday life in panels which represent the new, post-revolutionary era of the middle class in 19th century France. AUTHOR: Dr. Elke Nieh?ser is an art historian specializing in the study of traditional images and their interpretation.