Ormolu and Marble Clock ~ Cupid and Psyche by Baguès Frères, Paris ~ French - Circa 1900 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A magnificent late 19th century French ormolu and white marble mantel clock, by the prestigious Parisian bronziers, Baguès Frères, Paris, beautifully conceived in the Louis XVI style and surmounted by a finely modelled sculptural group depicting the mythological lovers Cupid and Psyche. The exquisite ormolu figures are portrayed in a romantic allegorical composition, holding aloft a floral garland above a pair of doves, traditional symbols of love and fidelity.

The design follows the elegant neoclassical tradition of late 18th-century French clockmaking. A closely related Louis XVI clock, signed Sauvajot à Paris and dating to circa 1790, was offered by Cambi Casa d'Aste in 2019, its sculptural composition similarly identified as Cupid and Psyche crowning two doves. The finely cast and chased figures display exceptional attention to detail, with beautifully modelled facial features, flowing drapery and delicately rendered wings.

The circular white enamel dial is signed Baguès Frères, Paris, with Arabic numerals and finely pierced gilt hands and convex glazed bezel. The clock is raised upon an architectural white marble plinth, richly embellished with finely chased ormolu mounts incorporating classical ornamentation, scrolling foliage and floral garlands, supported upon six finely turned ormolu feet.

The superb quality French movement is in excellent, clean working condition, having been fully overhauled and serviced by our clockmaker. It has also been fitted with a new jewelled platform lever escapement, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. The movement has an eight-day duration and strikes the hours and half-hours on a beautifully resonant bell. Please click on the video below to hear the bell striking and see this magnificent clock in operation.

The case is in excellent condition throughout, retaining its beautiful original gilding, which is wonderfully clean and bright, with only slight areas of age-related wear and discolouration. The dial is also in excellent condition, free from damage. The white marble displays some minor marks and discolouration consistent with age, together with a few small nibbles to the edges, none of which detract from the overall beauty and presentation of this magnificent clock.  

An exceptionally elegant example of late 19th-century French decorative craftsmanship, combining the timeless romance of Cupid and Psyche with the fine bronze work associated with the prestigious Parisian firm of Baguès Frères.

Complete with bell and a suitable key.

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).