Figural mantel clock Empire - Ormolo - 1800-1850
08
days
16
hours
21
minutes
19
seconds
Current bid
€ 1,900
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Justus Heutink
Holds broad knowledge of religious icons with six years of collecting experience.
Estimate € 5,500 - € 6,500
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Empire period figurative mantel clock in gilded ormolu bronze with marble, France ca. 1810, model “Love Letter”, 52 × 47 × 17 cm, 10 kg, mechanical movement with 8-day power reserve, strikes at half past the hour, with winding key, in good used condition and in working order.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Empire "Lettre d'Amour" Clock – Description
The Empire "Lettre d'Amour" clock is an excellent example of fine French clockmaking from the early 19th century, distinguished by a classical and symbolic design. Below is a detailed description of this masterpiece:
Dimensions: 52 x 47 x 17 cm
Style: Empire, neoclassical
Material: Gilded bronze and marble
Dial: White enamel dial with Roman numerals
Timekeeping: Mechanical movement with key-winding
Design and Symbolism
This clock presents a sentimental scene with a seated classical female figure, presumably a mythological or allegorical representation of love and longing. She holds a medallion containing the engraved portrait of a young man, as a symbol of the cherished memory of a beloved.
Notable details:
- A dove beside the woman, symbolizing love and fidelity
- A writing desk with a goose feather and letters, highlighting the writing and receiving of love letters
- Winged sphinxes as supporting elements – a typical Empire motif that expresses strength and mystique
- Reliefs on the base of the clock with romantic and mythological scenes, underscoring the theme of love and art
This clock is not only a functional timepiece but also an art object that embodies the aesthetics and emotional depth of the Empire period. A beautiful collectible for lovers of antique clocks and neoclassical art.
The photos are part of the description. All our items can be viewed in the Mora Antiques showroom in Bilzen - Hoeselt / Belgium.
Empire "Lettre d'Amour" Clock – Description
The Empire "Lettre d'Amour" clock is an excellent example of fine French clockmaking from the early 19th century, distinguished by a classical and symbolic design. Below is a detailed description of this masterpiece:
Dimensions: 52 x 47 x 17 cm
Style: Empire, neoclassical
Material: Gilded bronze and marble
Dial: White enamel dial with Roman numerals
Timekeeping: Mechanical movement with key-winding
Design and Symbolism
This clock presents a sentimental scene with a seated classical female figure, presumably a mythological or allegorical representation of love and longing. She holds a medallion containing the engraved portrait of a young man, as a symbol of the cherished memory of a beloved.
Notable details:
- A dove beside the woman, symbolizing love and fidelity
- A writing desk with a goose feather and letters, highlighting the writing and receiving of love letters
- Winged sphinxes as supporting elements – a typical Empire motif that expresses strength and mystique
- Reliefs on the base of the clock with romantic and mythological scenes, underscoring the theme of love and art
This clock is not only a functional timepiece but also an art object that embodies the aesthetics and emotional depth of the Empire period. A beautiful collectible for lovers of antique clocks and neoclassical art.
The photos are part of the description. All our items can be viewed in the Mora Antiques showroom in Bilzen - Hoeselt / Belgium.
Details
Bronze type
Ormolo
Style subtype
Empire
Era
1400-1900
Number of objects
1
Clock type
Figural mantel clock
Model
Very well-known Empire clock 'Love Letter', France circa 1810.
Material
Bronze
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power reserve
8 day movement
Striking
half hour, one bell
Style
Antique
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
52 cm
Width
47 cm
Depth
17 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850
Weight
10 kg
Winding key
Yes
