1800s Lefevre French Empire Ormolu Venus Clock Marble

Details

Description

Antique French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock – Signed Lefevre, Circa 1800

An exceptional and rare early 19th-century French Empire clock, … Read more Antique French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock – Signed Lefevre, Circa 1800

An exceptional and rare early 19th-century French Empire clock, signed by the esteemed Parisian horologist Pierre-Honoré Lefevre, successor to Debelle, and crafted between 1800 and 1810. This refined ormolu mantel clock presents a poetic mythological scene of Venus and Cupid, rendered in exquisite detail and mounted on a solid green marble base.

️ Historical Maker:
Dial Signed: “Lefevre Suc de De Belle à Paris”
Lefevre, successor to Jean-François Debelle, was an acclaimed clockmaker in post-revolutionary Paris
This specific clock is documented in French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser, page 212, no. 331—confirming its provenance and value
Mythological Theme:
This clock features a charming allegorical moment:

Venus, goddess of love, is shown alongside her son Cupid, who has just broken a water jar
The scene is rich in classical symbolism—mischief, maternal love, and beauty—captured through the expressive gilded bronze figures, down to the delicate folds in their garments
Fragments of the jar are sculpted into the marble base, enhancing the lifelike narrative

⚙️ Clock Mechanism:
Movement: 8-day anchor escapement
Chime: Strikes hours and half-hours on a bell
Accessories: Includes original pendulum, bell, and key
Function: Professionally serviced—recently cleaned and oiled, in excellent working order

Approximate Dimensions:
Height: 13 inches (33 cm)
Width: 12 inches (31 cm)
Depth: 6 inches (16 cm)
️
Materials:
Ormolu (Gilded Bronze): Original gold patina, professionally cleaned without overpolishing
Base: Solid green marble with subtle veining
Dial: White enamel, signed and accented with Latin numerals in fine antique condition

✅ Condition Report:
Movement: Fully functional; professionally maintained
Figures: No restorations or missing parts—100% original
Finish: Rich, warm ormolu in very good antique condition
Dial: Original, intact enamel with minimal age wear
Base: Marble in excellent condition, no cracks or repairs

Shipping & Handling:
Carefully packed in custom protective packaging to ensure safe delivery
Tracked and insured via trusted courier
Ships from within the EU

Key Details:
Date/Period: Circa 1800–1810
Maker: Lefevre Suc de De Belle à Paris
Style: French Empire
Color: Gold ormolu with green marble
Material: Bronze, Marble, Enamel
Category: Mantel Clocks
Number of Pieces: 1

Condition: Excellent original, professionally serviced
This museum-quality Empire clock is a rare blend of horological excellence and mythological art, perfect for collectors of antique timepieces, classical sculpture, or French decorative arts. A distinguished focal point for mantel, library, or curated gallery interiors.

Chairish sells clocks only with display as the intended use. The mechanical elements are not guaranteed to be in working order by Chairish. See less