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. Entirely original fire gilded mercury ormolu, on the model which is usually attributed to Thomire. 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 and is of convex white enamel. 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).