1800s Lefevre Empire Ormolu Marble Venus Clock – 1 Pc

Details

Description

1800s Lefevre French Empire Ormolu Venus Mantel Clock
An exceptional early 19th-century French Empire mantel clock, masterfully crafted and signed … Read more 1800s Lefevre French Empire Ormolu Venus Mantel Clock
An exceptional early 19th-century French Empire mantel clock, masterfully crafted and signed by renowned Parisian horologist Lefevre, successor to Debelle, circa 1800–1810. This museum-quality timepiece unites fine horology with neoclassical sculpture, presenting a poetic mythological tableau of Venus and Cupid in richly gilded ormolu atop an elegant green marble base.

Date / Period: Circa 1800–1810
Early 19th Century
French Empire Period
Maker / Brand: Dial signed: “Lefevre Suc de De Belle à Paris”
Pierre-Honoré Lefevre, successor to Jean-François Debelle
Documented in French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser (p.212, no.331)
A highly regarded Parisian clockmaker working in the post-Revolutionary Empire era, Lefevre’s works are noted for their sculptural refinement and mechanical precision.

Style: French Empire, Neoclassical
Strong classical symbolism, balanced proportions, and mythological subject matter embody the grandeur of Napoleonic decorative arts.

Materials
Ormolu (Gilded Bronze): Original gold mercury gilding with warm antique patina
Base: Solid green marble with natural veining
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals
The ormolu has been professionally cleaned while preserving its original fire-gilded surface.

Color: Rich antique gold, Deep green marble, White enamel dial accents

Category
Mantel Clock
Figural Clock
Decorative Object
Number of Pieces: 1 Piece

Mythological Subject
This clock captures an allegorical scene from classical mythology:
Venus, goddess of love, stands beside her son Cupid
Cupid is depicted after breaking a water jar
Sculpted fragments rest upon the marble base
The composition symbolizes beauty, mischief, and maternal affection—rendered with remarkable detail in drapery, anatomy, and expression.

Clock Mechanism
Movement: 8-day anchor escapement
Strike: Hours and half-hours on a bell
Includes: Original pendulum, bell, and winding key
Service: Recently cleaned and oiled; in working order

Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 13 in (33 cm)
Width: 12 in (31 cm)
Depth: 6 in (16 cm)
Ideal scale for mantel, console, or vitrine display.

Condition Report
Movement professionally serviced
Ormolu figures fully original—no restorations
Gilding in very good antique condition
Enamel dial intact with light age wear
Marble base excellent—no cracks or repairs

Shipping & Handling
Expertly packed with custom protective materials
Fully tracked and insured shipping
Ships from within the EU

Why This Clock Stands Out
Documented Lefevre example
Fine Empire mythological sculpture
Original ormolu gilding
Elegant green marble base
Collectible horological and decorative artwork
A rare and distinguished French Empire timepiece—equally suited for collectors of antique clocks, neoclassical sculpture, or refined European decorative arts. See less