Empire Clock With Magic Lantern

Elegant mantel clock in finely chiseled and gilded bronze depicting Cupid, nude and modestly draped with a vine leaf, carrying on his back a large magic lantern. Love is shown standing, holding his bow and quiver, his abundant curls framing an expressive face with glass-paste eyes.

The circular white enamel dial is encircled by a frieze of blue enamel cabochons. The gilded fleuron hands indicate the hours and minutes. The pendulum, whose lens is shaped like a butterfly, is not visible.

The whole rests on an oval base adorned on the front with a scene of putti around a lyre, supported by clawed rooster feet. Silk-thread movement with half-hour striking and an eight-day power reserve. Original mercury gilding, in an exceptional state of preservation.