CIRCA 1810

■Post sale offsite storage
●No reserve

Price Realised USD 8,190

Estimate

USD 5,000 - USD 8,000

Loading details

Try our

Cost calculator

AN EMPIRE ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK

CIRCA 1810

Price Realised USD 8,190

Emblematic of the punishment of infidelity, the rectangular plinth-shaped case with an anthemion band to its cornice, the frieze applied with L'INCONSTANCE PUNIE cast in a cartouche, a bas relief below the dial with Cupid blindfolded by Venus, flanked by figures of a warrior with his hound and a seated maiden clipping the wings of a dove in front of a burning tripod torchère, on a stepped rectangular base with bun feet
21³⁄₄ in. (55.5 cm.) high, 17³⁄₄ in. (45.5 cm.) wide, 9¹⁄₄ in. (23.5 cm.) deep

The Property of a Gentleman; Christie's, London, 15 November 2001, lot 1.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Inc

Brought to you by

Sale Enquires Collections: New YorkCollections: New York

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

View condition report

Lot Essay

This clock evokes the virtue of constancy in love. Its laurel-wreathed altar, guarded by Venus' sacred swans, bears an inscribed tablet and a bas-relief of blindfolded Cupid, serving to warn against inconstancy. The trimming of the wings of Venus's dove by a maiden seated beside a garlanded and enflamed candelabrum, recalls the history of Venus and her lover Adonis. The bas-relief of its stepped plinth is inspired by Rome's Temple of Fortuna. With its candelabra and butterfly-bearing Cupids, the composition recalls the love story of Cupid and Psyche. Interestingly, the whole replaces the usual iconography of 'inconstancy' represented by the moon symbol of the huntress deity Diana, by supplanting it with Venus and Cupid.