We are privileged to present an absolutely fantastic mantel clock, embodying the elegance and refinement of the Louis XVI style. Finely cast in resplendent gilded bronze, it features the ancient Roman personifications of love and desire: Venus and Cupid.
Artistic Composition and Symbolism: Venus is depicted in draped clothing, gracefully leaning over the central pedestal, a gesture of profound delicacy. In her hand, a dove, another ancient symbol of love, adds to the narrative richness of the scene. Cupid, meanwhile, is depicted in midair with a quiver of arrows at her feet, lending dynamism and vitality to the composition. The ensemble exudes visual harmony and timeless poetry, characteristic of the neoclassical aesthetic of the era.
Precious Materials and Precision Horology: Under the two figures is the marble pedestal in which the dial and the movement of the enamel clock are fixed, mounted with garlands and foliage in gilded bronze and mounted on tops in gilt bronze. The clock face is enamelled and contains Roman numerals, as well as the signature 'Diot À Paris'. The movement, an eight-day movement, strikes the hour and half-hour on its bell, delivering a delightful auditory experience.
Exceptional Condition and Expert Maintenance: The clock is in excellent and perfect working order. In addition, it has been recently cleaned and maintained by a professional watchmaker specializing in museum maintenance, ensuring its continued reliability and longevity. The clock is delivered complete with its pendulum, its key, and its bell.
An Investment of Enduring Value and Heritage: More than a mere timekeeping instrument, this clock is a major work of decorative art, testifying to the luxury and artistic excellence of the late 18th or early 19th century. Its rarity, historical importance, the quality of its execution, and its impeccable condition make it a compelling acquisition for collectors and connoisseurs seeking to enrich their collections with pieces of enduring beauty, cultural significance, and appreciating value.