"Large Pendulum 1st Empire Psyche Crowning Love"
Important gilt and patinated bronze clock from the 1st Empire period around 1815 with wire movement in good working order, ringtone to be revised. Large model measuring 68 cm high X 43 cm wide X 15 cm deep. Elegant antique decor representing Psyche crowning Love, the two figures are leaning along a terminal where the silver movement is housed (signature trace) the dial is surrounded by a motif depicting a snake, the base is adorned with a fire pot placed near a sword. The rectangular lower part is embellished with a large arch, two quivers crossed in a laurel wreath, the whole is carried by a ribbon pattern. It rests on front feet with figures of Zephyr heads. This magnificent allegorical group modeled by Claude Michalon (1751-1799) was from the Consulate operated by the bronzier Pierre-Victor Ledure for luxury watchmaking, this model of pendulum was one of the most appreciated of its time and was represented again during the second Exhibition of Industrial Products in 1819. Among the models preserved today, we must mention: A clock kept in Paris at the Ministry of the Navy, one identical to ours on display at the Marmottant museum, another is located in England, at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Copies are also kept in the heritage collection of the former reigning Wittelsbach family in Munich and in the presidency of the National Assembly in Paris, at the Monplaisir pavilion in Peterhof park. It should also be noted that almost identical cases were also produced by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) as well as Lucien-François Feuchère (1784-1824). Other similar clock cases can be found at the Château de Fontainebleau and at the Ministry of War.