Exceptional Empire Vase Clock With Eros In A Chariot

Intriguing gilt bronze Empire vase clock depicting a winged Eros in a chariot. This Empire clock combines two styles of clocks: chariot clocks and vase clocks. First we see on the top the love chariot, moving on clouds and pulled by two doves. Eros is guiding the chariot holding the reins in his hand. Below this chariot we see the body of the clock in the shape of a vase, which contains the white enamel dial with gilt bronze hands. Roman numerals mark the hours and Arabic numerals mark the minutes. Small beads, palmettes, and lattice frame the face of the clock.

Two admirably sculpted swans with outspread wings surround the dial and hold garlands of flowers through their beaks to form the handles of the vase. The swans are clutching their feet on the bottom of the vase. The vase rests on an oval base decorated with water-leaf. A bow, quiver of arrows, a torch and two leafy branches decorate the front part of the base which rests on four flattened-ball feet.

Antiquity inspired the simple and elegant forms of the first Empire, often using Greek and Roman amphorae and urns as their models. Pure forms are decorated with typical Empire motifs such as eagles, snakes, doves, and swans. Decorative objects from the first Empire are admired for their elegance and the remarkable delicacy of their chasing and graphics.

Details
This very elegant Empire vase clock with chariot has been professionally cleaned and is in a perfect condition with beautiful gilding. The movement has a pendulum with silk suspension and anchor escapement. It strikes the hours and half hours on a bell, regulated by a count wheel. The clockwork is in perfect working condition and comes complete with pendulum, bell and key.

France ca. 1810
Dimensions: 42 cm high, 25 cm wide and 12 cm deep.
Weight: 7 kg

Literature

Encyclopédie de la pendule française, Pierre Kjellberg, p.377 #C

French bronze clocks, Elke Niehüser, p.128 #208

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