Exceptionally fine and original French Empire Genre clock of Cupid as Artist by Maniere. Set upon ormolu paw feet the patinated bronze "tree stump" has the fine dial and bezel set in the middle of the stump. On the top is set an artists easel with a largely completed painting of the French poodle seen in the foreground lying on a tasseled and cushioned stool.The figure of cupid is seen to the right with his palette in his left hand while he paints with the paint brush in his right. The convex white enamel dial is in excellent condition ( as is the entire clock) with no damage or repairs to the dial and the dial signed Maniere a Paris in his usual style. Chapters showing the hours are in Roman numerals and the minutes are shewn for each quarter. The hands are of gilt bronze and are well cut and finished. The bezel, of fire gilt ormolu is beautifully decorated with bands of stars and basket work. The 8 day movement is regulated by a silk suspended pendulum and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. A rare and popular model illustrated in Elke Niehuser's book "French Bronze Clocks"pp 179. However the model illustrated in that book is far less complete than that shewn here. "Maniere a Paris". Antoine-Guillaume Manier was known to have been working at Rue Bertin-Poiree in 1806. Paris, France circa 1810. Height 18 inches ( 45 cm).