A magnificent version of this rare French Empire ormolu mantel clock “The Sermon of Amor”. The ormolu is in mint condition, untouched since the clock was made circa 1810. The white enamel dial is signed Henry a Abbeville and the hands are well cast and finished and mercury gilt. 8 day bell striking silk suspension movement. . The god of love is dressed in the robe of a capuchin monk and holds his lecture to a woman kneeling in front of him. He holds a FLAMING HEART in his outstretched hand. The young woman kneels in front of a book, which is opened like a prayer book. It is however “L’ART D’AIMER” by OVID ( ART AMATORIA – THE ART OF LOVE) written in the 1st century BC is full of love poems and is the young woman’s bible. The oil lamp indicates that the scene takes place at night and that the capuchin AMOR preaching from an Empire chair is really merely an illusion. The scene in the base is also unusual with the flying Amor with a butterfly and rose in one hand and the chains of love in the other. Superb quality casting throughout and original fire/mercury gilded ormolu. Signed Henry a Abbeville. France circa 1810. 16 inches high by 12.5 inches wide and 4.25 inches deep ( 40 cms by 31.25 cms by 10.6 cms). This model can be seen on page 137 , illustration 226 of Elke Niehuser “French Bronze Clocks”.