Beautiful Louis XVI period clock "Altar of Venus" 18th century

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Louis XVI Period Mantel Clock "Altar of Venus"

This very rare Louis XVI period gilt bronze mantel clock is … Read more Louis XVI Period Mantel Clock "Altar of Venus"

This very rare Louis XVI period gilt bronze mantel clock is attributed to the bronzier Etienne Martincourt.
Another clock of the same model is in the collection of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (see photos).

The mantel clock, made of white marble and chased and gilt bronze, is surmounted by a scene depicting Venus and Cupid anointing a dove, while a sacrificial fire burns on an altar between them. Venus is draped in a magnificent, flowing garment with fine embroidery detailing her clothing and jewelry. She stands beside the clock face and holds in her left hand a small, shell-shaped dish into which she pours oil to anoint a dove. Venus gazes tenderly at Cupid, who faces her, one hand resting on her breast, the other reaching out to the dove. On the other side, Cupid is a putto presenting a dove to Venus. These two figures flank a white enamel dial indicating the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes in Arabic numerals. The elaborate sculptural quality of this scene and the fine materials reveal the high quality of this clock.

Paris, circa 1775-1780.
Dimensions: 43 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 12.5 cm deep.
Weight: 12 kg. See less