Exceptionally Rare French Empire Clock With Eros

This French gilt bronze Empire clock from the 1st Empire period (1804-1815) is a very rare and high quality model. The bronze of this Empire clock is gilded with mercury and the clockwork is signed "Ducommun à Carcassonne". Ducommun, who is listed in the Tardy dictionary of watchmakers, set up his workshop in Carcassonne in the year 1800.

Unmistakenly, the centerpiece of this mantel clock is the relatively big and impressive sculpture of the god of love Eros. It is very carefully chiseled and shows many details. Notice the beautiful curly hair and the way the clothes are draped in a very natural manner. And see how the hem of the clothes has been burnished to a glossy gold where the rest of the clothes are matte. Eros is holding an arrow and a rose, signifying love, while his foot rests on a quiver with arrows. He sits on a pyramid shaped case which holds the clockwork. The bezel surrounding the white enamelled dial is decorated with palm leaves. The rectangular base of this French mantel clock carries ornaments of palmettes (stylized palm leaves).

Altogether this Empire clock is a model that is very rarely seen. It is attractive because of the size and qualities of its sculpture. This clock shows workmanship at the highest level with a perfect state of conservation and authenticity. The clockwork has been professionally cleaned and serviced and is in a perfect original working condition.

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