French Empire Mantel Clock “soap Bubbles” (cupid And Iris), Circa 1800

This exceptionally refined mantel clock depicts the winged goddess Iris blowing soap bubbles toward Cupid, a poetic and rare iconographic theme symbolizing ephemerality and playfulness. At Cupid’s feet lie a quiver and a laurel wreath, subtle references to love and victory.

The clock is executed in finely gilded and patinated bronze, displaying the elegance characteristic of early Empire workmanship. Its design is closely associated with the refined Parisian production around 1800 and can be attributed to the circle of the renowned bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, supplier to the court of Louis XVI and active for the leading European courts.

An identical example is preserved in the boudoir of Princess Izabela Lubomirska at Łańcut Castle, underscoring the rarity and museum-level quality of this model.

This piece represents the finest tradition of French decorative arts of the period and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a clock of this caliber.

Dimensions:
Height: 52 cm
Width: 41 cm
Depth: 15 cm