Fabulous antique French Empire miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying off time. This has to be one of my all time favourite French Empire mantel clocks. If I didn't need to get some money in this is one clock that I would keep for my own collection. I have never seen such a sweet version of this clock from the model usually attributed to Thomire and in such superb original condition. The ormolu is mint and I have decided not to clean it for the moment as it is such a beautiful colour. Set upon an oval base with finely worked toupee feet. Applied to the front of the base is a be-ribboned ormolu mount in the form of a swag of laurel held by two butterflies and with a rose to the centre. Cupid is seen striding off across the base of the clock with his cloak billowing out behind him. Wrapped in his cloak is the clock dial and movement which he carries on his back. This is an allusion to the way time flies when in the company of the one you love and is a very romantic theme. The clock itself sits on Cupid's wings and these are beautifully cast and finished in great detail by the Graveur with polished highlights and enormous amounts of texture strokes by his engraving tools. This is also true of the cloak. The figure of Cupid is superb, caught beautifully in motion and with a sublime face. The dial is surrounded by an ormolu bezel is is of convex white enamel with gilt hands and with Roman numerals for the hours. The timepiece movement with silk suspension pendulum and running for 8 days. France circa 1805-10. A spectacularly beautiful piece. 11.25 inches high by 6 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep ( 28.125 cm by 15 cm by 8.75 cm).