Empire period gilt bronze clock with Cupid and Psyche by Le Roy et fils

Empire period gilt bronze clock with Cupid and Psyche by Le Roy et fils
French, c.1810
Height 46cm, width 35cm, depth 14cm
 
This beautiful mantel clock was crafted in c.1810 by the famous Parisian clock-making firm, Le Roy et fils. The company was founded by Basile Charles Le Roy in 1785, who later passed it onto his son, Charles-Louis Le Roy. The firm was well-respected in France, receiving commissions from the Emperor Napoleon I, his sister, Princess Pauline, and other notable figures, both in France and elsewhere in Europe. Encouraged by their success in Paris, Le Roy et fils set up a shop in London, on New Bond Street. They soon established a name for themselves as fashionable clock-makers, and were awarded a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria. The clock dial is signed, ‘Le Roy Hr du Roi/ A Paris’.
 
The clock is crafted entirely from gilt bronze (ormolu). It features a tall rectangular clock case, with a white enamel dial at its centre, featuring Roman Numeral hours. The case is flanked by two sculptures, depicting Cupid and Psyche, who were lovers in classical mythology. Cupid (or Amor) and Psyche are depicted as winged figures, wearing classical clothing. They gaze at one another lovingly and pluck at the strings of a lyre, positioned between them on the clock case. The figures stand on a stepped rectangular base, which is set on four bun feet. The clock case and plinth are beautifully decorated with low-relief depictions of Psyche and Cupid, accompanied by flowers, swags, trophies, and winged male figures on the base.
 
Artist/Maker: Le Roy et fils