For inquiries about this item, please scroll to the bottom the page: “enquire about this item”
Antique French Empire Mantel Clock – Venus & Cupid by Lefevre, Paris (c. 1800–1810)
This rare and captivating French Empire clock was crafted circa 1800–1810 and signed by renowned Parisian clockmaker Pierre-Honoré Lefevre, successor to Jean-François Debelle. Housed in richly patinated gilt bronze (ormolu) and resting on a solid green marble base, this piece is a stunning combination of mythological symbolism, fine sculpture, and horological precision.
Signed Dial: "Lefevre Suc de De Belle à Paris"
Lefevre was an esteemed early 19th-century clockmaker who continued the prestigious Parisian atelier of Debelle after his death in 1803
This particular model is featured in French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser (page 212, entry no. 331), establishing its historical and collectible significance
The clock presents a graceful and poetic vignette:
Venus, Roman goddess of love, is shown with her son Cupid, who has broken a vessel at her feet
Their expressive faces, flowing garments, and delicate postures evoke emotion and storytelling—hallmarks of neoclassical Empire sculpture
The scattered bronze fragments of the broken jar add narrative detail and artistic depth
Movement Type: 8-day anchor escapement
Chiming: Strikes the hour and half-hour on a bell
Accessories Included:
Original pendulum, bell, and winding key
Condition: Recently serviced and oiled by a professional clockmaker; runs smoothly and keeps time accurately
Case & Figures: Gilded bronze (ormolu), professionally cleaned but retaining original patina
Base: Polished green marble, solid and unaltered
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed and intact
Height: 13 inches
Width: 12 inches
Depth: 6 inches
Perfectly sized for placement on:
Fireplace mantels
Console or pier tables
Study or library shelves
Curated antique displays
Mechanism: Excellent working condition, recently cleaned and serviced
Ormolu: Original gilding with warm antique luster; no restorations
Dial: Clean enamel with only minimal age-related wear
Figures & Base: No cracks, chips, or missing parts; 100% original
Date/Period: Circa 1800–1810
Maker: Lefevre, Paris
Style: French Empire
Color Scheme: Gold with green marble
Materials: Gilded bronze, marble, enamel
Category: Antique Mantel Clock
Documented clock
This French Empire clock is a masterpiece of storytelling and artistry—uniting neoclassical sculpture, mechanical innovation, and decorative elegance. Its allegorical theme and historical maker make it a standout treasure for any serious collector of fine antiques.
Feel free to inquire for additional photos or condition reports. This is more than a clock—it’s a poetic expression of love, beauty, and early 19th-century craftsmanship.
For inquiries about this item, please scroll to the bottom the page: “enquire about this item”
Antique French Empire Mantel Clock – Venus & Cupid by Lefevre, Paris (c. 1800–1810)
This rare and captivating French Empire clock was crafted circa 1800–1810 and signed by renowned Parisian clockmaker Pierre-Honoré Lefevre, successor to Jean-François Debelle. Housed in richly patinated gilt bronze (ormolu) and resting on a solid green marble base, this piece is a stunning combination of mythological symbolism, fine sculpture, and horological precision.
Signed Dial: "Lefevre Suc de De Belle à Paris"
Lefevre was an esteemed early 19th-century clockmaker who continued the prestigious Parisian atelier of Debelle after his death in 1803
This particular model is featured in French Bronze Clocks by Elke Niehüser (page 212, entry no. 331), establishing its historical and collectible significance
The clock presents a graceful and poetic vignette:
Venus, Roman goddess of love, is shown with her son Cupid, who has broken a vessel at her feet
Their expressive faces, flowing garments, and delicate postures evoke emotion and storytelling—hallmarks of neoclassical Empire sculpture
The scattered bronze fragments of the broken jar add narrative detail and artistic depth
Movement Type: 8-day anchor escapement
Chiming: Strikes the hour and half-hour on a bell
Accessories Included:
Original pendulum, bell, and winding key
Condition: Recently serviced and oiled by a professional clockmaker; runs smoothly and keeps time accurately
Case & Figures: Gilded bronze (ormolu), professionally cleaned but retaining original patina
Base: Polished green marble, solid and unaltered
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed and intact
Height: 13 inches
Width: 12 inches
Depth: 6 inches
Perfectly sized for placement on:
Fireplace mantels
Console or pier tables
Study or library shelves
Curated antique displays
Mechanism: Excellent working condition, recently cleaned and serviced
Ormolu: Original gilding with warm antique luster; no restorations
Dial: Clean enamel with only minimal age-related wear
Figures & Base: No cracks, chips, or missing parts; 100% original
Date/Period: Circa 1800–1810
Maker: Lefevre, Paris
Style: French Empire
Color Scheme: Gold with green marble
Materials: Gilded bronze, marble, enamel
Category: Antique Mantel Clock
Documented clock
This French Empire clock is a masterpiece of storytelling and artistry—uniting neoclassical sculpture, mechanical innovation, and decorative elegance. Its allegorical theme and historical maker make it a standout treasure for any serious collector of fine antiques.
Feel free to inquire for additional photos or condition reports. This is more than a clock—it’s a poetic expression of love, beauty, and early 19th-century craftsmanship.
