A large, extremely rare Empire-style pendulum clock.

Ships from The Netherlands

Limburg Antiquairs
Premier Seller
Name
A large, extremely rare Empire-style pendulum clock.
Measurements
Height: 55 cm, Width: 56 cm, Depth: 21 cm
Reference
LIMA100968
Categories
Decorative Arts Clocks Mantel Clocks
Periods
18th Century Empire, 1810 Antique
Origins
France
Description

Bacchus or Dionysus, the god of wine, but also of the power of nature, is here

depicted as the mythological figure Cupid, god of love, seated on a wine barrel atop a

chariot adorned with grapevines. The whole is drawn by two leopards.

The story goes that, in a magnificent procession in honour of Dionysus in 300 BC, more

than twenty-four adult lions, leopards and cheetahs took part. Leopards are also

mentioned in the myth of the nymphs of Nysa, who raised Dionysus.

The leopard symbolises his speed, strength, fearlessness and self-confidence.

Leopards are rarely depicted on clocks.

Here, Cupid is not carrying his bow and arrow, but is tucking into the grapes, whilst he has the triumphal chariot

drawn by two leopards. This illustrates that love is stronger than physical strength.

Love transcends all else

 

France, circa 1810.

 

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