Pendule Empire en bronze doré et patiné “Éros forgeant une flèche”, ca. 1820

France, circa 1810-1820
Ormolu and patinated bronze
Dimensions: 41 × 35 × 11 cm

This magnificent Empire mantel clock depicts Eros (Cupid), the god of love, forging one of his arrows upon a gilt anvil — a refined allegory of passion shaped by divine craftsmanship. The winged figure, beautifully chased and fire-gilded, leans forward with focused intent, his expression serene yet powerful.

The black-patinated base, imitating rock, supports a circular dial with Roman numerals framed by a finely guilloché ormolu bezel. The frieze below, adorned with playful putti and classical trophies, celebrates the creative joy and vitality of love.

Clocks of this iconography appeared in early 19th-century Paris, often attributed to renowned bronziers such as Claude Galle and Pierre-Philippe Thomire, who mastered the elegant balance of mythological narrative and technical perfection.

This example stands out for its exquisite chasing, deep fire gilding, and harmonious composition capturing both grace and movement — a quintessential expression of the Empire aesthetic, where art and symbolism merge in timeless beauty.