catalog text
FRENCH EMPIRE PATINATED BRONZE, ORMOLU AND GRIOTTE MARBLE MANTEL CLOCK
"Cupid & Psyche", Paris circa 1825; silk suspension movement signed L. Meyer
Item # 808QLN24W
An exceptional Restauration period mantel clock with finely chiseled elements throughout, this work captures Psyche placing a butterfly into the open palm of Cupid. Each figure is cast with incredible skill, this self evident in the difficult areas: the finishing of hair, eyes, finger nails, feathers and feet. They flank a dome top housing with a rather plain 3 1/4” plated brass dial with a ring of Roman numerals. The ormolu elements are typical motifs of the period: an oil lamp with a serpent’s head before a short dagger; and the primary motif is a pair of floral wreaths interwoven with Cupid’s bow, the strings left loose and the bow unstretched. It is a powerful example of the period, something of a more rare example as opposed to the more frequently found “Psyche Crowning Cupid” example of very similar form (see Kjellberg “La Pendule Française” p. 402, f. A).
See Sotheby’s London Sale L14301, 15 May 2014, lot 88 for a nearly identical example
Measurements: 13 3/4” W x 6 1/4” D x 22” H
Condition Report:
Dial face likely associated and has some winding wear. Proper right side of griotte marble base patched (missing marble veneer replaced with faux painted material). Movement untested likely needs restoration - no pendulum or key included. Rear door does not fully close and rubs Cupid’s wing when being opened.