Empire Clock

Here is a charming clock from the Empire period, evoking the goddess of Love, Aphrodite — mother of Eros — through the scenes of legend. On a rocky base, two putti feed two geese, thus preparing them for their customary mission: to pull Aphrodite’s chariot. In Greek mythology, swans and geese are often interchanged, their depictions varying without altering the story. Around their necks, one can see the collars that will soon connect them to the vehicle of Love.

The terrace where this scene unfolds is supported by griffins with eagle heads and lion protomes, holding a drapery in their beaks, at the center of which the clock’s movement is set. Its large dial shows the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes, at each quarter, in Arabic numerals. The clockmaker Guydamour claims its authorship.

The whole rests on an impressive base of black Mazy marble (Belgium), the front of which is adorned with a garland of bellflowers linking winged palmettes. The deep black of the marble creates a striking contrast with the brilliance of the matte and polished golds. Four oak-acorn-shaped feet support the ensemble.

Excellent condition.