A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

Name: A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1161829
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French - Circa 1890 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A superb antique French mantel clock, finely cast and patinated, depicting the iconic embrace of Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss after the celebrated marble by Antonio Canova (1757–1822). The scene captures the mythological lovers at the moment of awakening, Psyche reclining in Cupid’s arms as his outstretched wings form a dramatic backdrop, symbolising the triumph of love and devotion.

The beautifully modelled figures are executed in dark patinated metal, their fluid drapery and delicate anatomy rendered with exceptional detail. The sculpture is mounted upon an elegant oval base of richly figured variegated marble, raised on finely turned gilt feet, with a central gilt-bronze bezel enclosing a porcelain enamel dial with floral swags and finely fretted gilt brass hands. The base bears a brass title plaque engraved Amour et Psyché.

The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. We have a video of the clock , please ask and we will send you a link or paste this into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/DragonAntiques/videos/1981470135722339

This clock exemplifies the 19th-century French tradition of marrying classical art with functional decorative objects, making it both a timepiece and a work of sculpture. A statement piece for the mantel or console, it embodies the romance and artistry of the Belle Époque.

Condition of the case is excellent, there is some wear and marks to the original patination and some slight cracking to the rear of the case. Marble is also very good with a good polish and slight nibbles to the edges. Dial is also excellent with no damage.

Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, sculpted by Antonio Canova between 1787 and 1793, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical art celebrated for its profound emotion and technical brilliance. Depicting the mythological moment from Apuleius’s The Golden Ass in which Cupid gently awakens the mortal Psyche with a kiss, the marble forms a tender, interlocking composition. Cupid’s poised embrace and Psyche’s upward-reaching form convey love's power to transcend death. Carved from pristine white marble, the work contrasts sensual skin and drapery with the rugged texture of the rocky base, creating an illusion of soft flesh and weightless flight. Commissioned by Colonel John Campbell in 1787, the original version resides at the Louvre, where it has inspired generations with its delicate anatomy, emotional intensity, and perfect balance of Romantic feeling and classical restraint.

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

Dimensions of clock:

inches: Height 22 1/4", Width 20", Depth 8 3/4"

centimetres: Height 56.5 cm, Width 51 cm, Depth 22 cm

Shipping within UK £25

Shipping to USA / Europe £95 by air fully insured

World wide shipping - £165 by air fully insured

Physical Dimensions

Height

56.5cm (22.24")

Width

51cm (20.08")

Depth

22cm (8.66")

Declaration

Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1161829

Dealers Internal Reference

RSC3860

Dealers Notes

Email Julie now to reserve this item! .

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World wide shipping by air fully insured. Please see our website for more pictures and video - http://www.Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French - Circa 1890 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

“

A superb antique French mantel clock, finely cast and patinated, depicting the iconic embrace of Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss after the celebrated marble by Antonio Canova (1757–1822).

Dragon-Antiques.com

The scene captures the mythological lovers at the moment of awakening, Psyche reclining in Cupid’s arms as his outstretched wings form a dramatic backdrop, symbolising the triumph of love and devotion.

fig 1. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova — fig 1. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

The beautifully modelled figures are executed in dark patinated metal, their fluid drapery and delicate anatomy rendered with exceptional detail. The sculpture is mounted upon an elegant oval base of richly figured variegated marble, raised on finely turned gilt feet, with a central gilt-bronze bezel enclosing a porcelain enamel dial with floral swags and finely fretted gilt brass hands. The base bears a brass title plaque engraved Amour et Psyché.

fig 2. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova — fig 2. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. We have a video of the clock , please ask and we will send you a link or paste this into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/DragonAntiques/videos/1981470135722339

fig 3. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova — fig 3. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

This clock exemplifies the 19th-century French tradition of marrying classical art with functional decorative objects, making it both a timepiece and a work of sculpture. A statement piece for the mantel or console, it embodies the romance and artistry of the Belle Époque.

fig 4. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova — fig 4. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

Condition of the case is excellent, there is some wear and marks to the original patination and some slight cracking to the rear of the case. Marble is also very good with a good polish and slight nibbles to the edges. Dial is also excellent with no damage.

fig 5. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova — fig 5. A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock ~Amour Et Psyche ~ After Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, sculpted by Antonio Canova between 1787 and 1793, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical art celebrated for its profound emotion and technical brilliance. Depicting the mythological moment from Apuleius’s The Golden Ass in which Cupid gently awakens the mortal Psyche with a kiss, the marble forms a tender, interlocking composition. Cupid’s poised embrace and Psyche’s upward-reaching form convey love's power to transcend death. Carved from pristine white marble, the work contrasts sensual skin and drapery with the rugged texture of the rocky base, creating an illusion of soft flesh and weightless flight. Commissioned by Colonel John Campbell in 1787, the original version resides at the Louvre, where it has inspired generations with its delicate anatomy, emotional intensity, and perfect balance of Romantic feeling and classical restraint.