1800 French Empire Ormolu Venus Clock by Lefevre Paris

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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.

🧑‍🎨 About the Maker:

• 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

🎭 Design & Mythological Theme:

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

⚙️ Mechanical Features:

• 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

🪙 Materials:

• 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

📏 Dimensions (Approximate):

• 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

✅ Condition Overview:

• 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

🏷️ Key Features:

• 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.