Gilt Bronze Clock "venus Playing With A Dog" Known As "chariot Of Vénus" From The Empire Period

A gilt bronze clock depicting Venus playing with a dog, also known as "Venus's chariot," from the Empire period.
It represents Venus seated in a slipper-shaped bathtub, playing with her dog. The whole scene is drawn by a swan, reminiscent of Venus's chariot. The slipper-shaped bathtub is adorned with an applied lobster and decorated with gadroons and palmettes. It rests on claw feet. The black marble base is decorated with a seashell, masks, and Capricorn beetles. It rests on four toupie feet.

The movement has an 8-day running time and strikes the hours and half-hours. The suspension is by wire. The white enamel dial is signed Mathieu in Rouen. The hands are gilt bronze. The movement was serviced on March 5, 2025. The clock is in very good condition with its original mercury gilding.
Height: 33 cm
Width: 30 cm
Depth: 11 cm
Empire period, circa 1805.

The clock's theme represents friendship and alludes to Venus's chariot. Indeed, the swan is the only animal that was harnessed to Venus's chariot (Ovid's Metamorphoses). The playful interaction with the dog symbolizes friendship. The slipper bathtub, the seashell, and the Capricorn (half-goat, half-fish in Greek mythology) refer to the birth of Venus. Venus was born from the sea foam and carried by the waters in a seashell (femininity).
Reference: model reproduced on page 44 of "Musée François Duesberg," Mons, Belgium, May 2004 edition.

General Terms and Conditions of Sale: the item is shipped after full payment*. We ship worldwide and take the utmost care in packaging. Depending on the item (fragility, size, destination), we use reinforced double boxes or wooden crates. Insurance is always included. Shipments are insured within 2 business days after payment is received* by UPS. Photos of the packaging with the tracking number will be sent to the buyer. For any quote request, please specify the city and country of destination; we will apply our negotiated rates. We can schedule delivery for your preferred date. Delivery requires a signature. Upon delivery, you are required to check the condition of the packaging and note any damage on the delivery driver's slip (dents, tears, crushing, opening, etc.). It is strongly recommended that you film the opening of the package after receipt to verify the condition of the item. We must be notified by email of any claim within 24 hours of opening the package; the date and time the email is sent will be considered proof of the claim. Return shipping is at the buyer's expense and under their full responsibility. The item must be returned in the same packaging and transport conditions as the original delivery. The item must be returned in the same condition as when received. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of sale will render any claim inadmissible.

* For payments by bank check, shipping may be delayed by a minimum of 10 business days.