Empire Bronze ‘Psyche’ Clock with Aphrodite’s Box, Leroy, Paris, c. 1820
Key facts
- Production time
- around 1820
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
The case is supported by four feet, the front ones shaped like flowers and acanthus leaves; resting upon these is the angular, fire-gilded plinth, which is adorned with a rosary and an arch. In the centre stands the clock case, upon which the beautiful Psyche is seated. She is holding Aphrodite’s box. Beside her are a quiver and an oil lamp. To prove her love for Cupid, Aphrodite set Psyche three tasks; the third task was to take a box to Persephone in the Underworld to beg her for a small portion of her beauty, which she would place in the box – a task which Psyche successfully completed. . The bronze case has been completely dismantled and cleaned; the fire-gilding is in good condition, though the polished areas are slightly scuffed, the base is somewhat stained, and one finger is missing. The movement, featuring a thread suspension and hook escapement, has been fully overhauled and readjusted by a master watchmaker (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, anchor reground and polished, escapement readjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants), it runs for around 14 days and strikes the half and full hours on a bell, which is marked ‘Cailly’. The bronze-cast, fire-gilded dial is marked ‘Leroy a Paris’ (above the VI, visible under black light) as well as on the reverse. Dimensions: Height: 47 cm Width: 30.5 cm Depth: 14 cm The pendulum, key and bell are included in the offer. An identical clock is illustrated on page 379 of *Catalogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional*, 1987, by J. Ramón Colón de Carvajal.