Neo-louis XVI Style Marble And Bronze Fireplace Set With A Cupid And Venus Motif.

A harmonious Louis XVI style mantelpiece set in white marble, patinated and gilt bronze, comprising an elegant mantel clock with a charming allegorical subject of Cupid and Venus, and a pair of two-light candelabra with foliate arms, known as "Children's" candelabra, inspired by a model created around 1770 by the sculptor and ornamentalist Clodion (1738-1814). The three pieces, embellished on their bases with neoclassical ornamental motifs, rest on flattened ball feet. The circular white enamel dial features a polychrome painted decoration of floral festoons, known as "Dauphine" style, with Arabic numerals for the hours, signed by the bronze and furniture manufacturer "J. Camelin/ Paris/ rue des Filles du Calvaire." A quality piece from the last third of the 19th century, circa 1880.
AT THE HOUR OF LOVE
Designed This delightful and highly desirable mantelpiece set, crafted in white marble, patinated brown bronze, and meticulously chased gilt, comprises three pieces:
- a charming clock with the enduring and ever-appealing allegorical subject of Cupid and Venus. Depicted standing, serenely leaning on a small bollard with distinctly antique profiles, the two deities, adorned with their respective attributes (wings, quiver with fletched arrows/stem rose), are captured in a loving pose, their faces smiling and their bodies plump. This charming sculptural composition, by turns playful and affectionate, rests on a simple, molded marble base. The oblong shape is edged with beading, and the sides are embellished within rectangular reserves of openwork gilt bronze appliqués with neoclassical motifs. Interlacing grained myrtle, punctuated with acanthus rosettes, is festooned on its projection by a theatrical, richly embroidered drapery held by a charming ribbon bow. The entire timepiece, signed on its white enamel dial enhanced with a fresh polychrome decoration known as "A la Dauphine" by the Parisian furniture bronze manufacturer and clockmaker Jules Camelin* (active between 1880 and 1900), rests on six generous flattened ball feet encircled by a myrtle torus.

- a pair of two-light candelabra with foliate arms known as "Aux Enfants" (With Children), after a model created around 1770 by the sculptor and ornamentalist Claude-Michel, known as Clodion (1738-1718), whose name they bear, engraved in relief on the reverse. From their terrace, the apocryphal signature. Designed as a pair, each features, nimbly seated on a small rocky aedicule adorned with a flowing drape, an adorable childlike figure with a brow encircled by a cluster of grapevines forming a trunk. Both gracefully hold two asymmetrical twisted branches with a grained, leafy acanthus motif. From their corolla emerges a basin, a socket beautifully chiseled with foliage, petals, cabochon interlacing, channels, and beading. Like the associated clock, these lights are mounted on a molded, circular base of white marble, embellished with similar ornamental motifs and fitted with a four-legged stand to match the model.
With a tasteful Neo-Louis XVI aesthetic that combines the timeless charm of its theme, elegance of materials and formal restraint, sobriety and ornamental coquetry, this harmonious and meticulously crafted fireplace set will suit any setting. advantageously suited to any interior, to which it will lend a touch that is both gentle and alluring.

*Listed by Tardy in his Dictionary of French Watchmakers, Paris: 1972, p. 107, Jules Camelin benefited from advantageous advertising in the Parisian trade almanacs of the 1880s-1900s, with the following wording: "Jules Camelin / Factory of Art Bronzes and Furniture / 14, rue des Filles du Calvaire / Marble and Bronze Fittings, Lyre Fittings in the Antique Style / Made to Order / Groups and Satuettes". Established at 7, rue Debelleyme in Paris, and later at number 14 (the street indicated on the dial of our clock), he subsequently sold (1920) his business and designs to the Belgian marble manufacturer Joseph Chardon, who also acquired the Gervais, Fabre, and other firms. Mercier, which, under the business name Maison Daubré et Turin, will continue this activity of manufacturing bronze furniture at 14, rue des Filles du Calvaire.

Signatures and Marks: On the clock: Dial signed: 'J. Camelin/Paris/ Filles du Calvaire'. Movement numbered "3030" and stamped in an oval with the initials of Jules Camelin associated with a measuring instrument (?). Clockmaker's mark "Samuel Marti/ Gold Medal-Paris-1900". On the candelabra, on the back of the base: "Clodion".

Materials: White marble; gilt bronze with a brown patina; enamel and glass.
Dimensions: Clock: H.: 32 cm; W.: 29 cm; D.: 15 cm. Candelabra: H.: 31 cm cm; L: 20 cm; Base: 11 x 11 cm
High-quality Parisian work in the Louis XVI style