This exquisite Louis XVI portico mantle clock with date indication stands as a quintessential representation of late 18th-century Neoclassicism, a case heavily inspired by the classical forms of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Crafted with the intent to mimic the grandeur of a Greek temple, portico clocks such as this one were primarily produced in France, achieving worldwide recognition for their magnificent beauty and superior craftsmanship. The clock is beautifully embellished with fire-gilded bronze and is presented against a dramatic backdrop of black marble, which serves to magnify its elaborate charm. Crowning the clock is an eagle, adding a noble touch to its overall appearance. A particularly unique and coveted aspect of this clock is its central date mechanism, a feature seldom found in timepieces of this kind, offering an additional allure for collectors. Accompanying the clock is a winding key. Despite its generally good condition, the clock shows signs of past restorations, on the black marble (left top adjacent to the movement case). It also exhibits signs of wear, including minor chips on the glass of the back door, which shields the movement, and smaller chips on the stone. Comprehensive photos of the clock from various angles have been provided to ensure a thorough understanding of its condition, and inquiries or requests for more detailed photos are welcome. The clock's mechanism is intact and functional, yet it has not undergone recent servicing. As a result, the clock is offered for sale "as-is," without any guarantee. This timepiece not only embodies the refined elegance characteristic of its era but also reflects the distinguished craftsmanship of Bernard Henri Wagner, a celebrated Parisian clockmaker who founded his establishment in 1790. Wagner, who served as a clockmaker for the King and the Emperor's household, was renowned for his innovations in clockmaking, including the invention of specific gear finishes using the ordinary splitting machine in 1811 and the patenting of a 'grand sonnerie' mechanism in 1837