拍品專文
The plinth-supported clock, conceived as an 'Altar of Love' in the antique manner popularised by C. Percier and P. Fontaine's, Recueil de decorations interieures, 1801, has its pedestal embellished with a bas-relief of Cupid preparing his darts, while a pan with sacred flame is attended by a youth. This bas-relief also features on the plinth of a Venus-chariot clock, that is attributed to Antoine-Andre Ravrio and is displayed at Malmaison (H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, no. 5.9.1.).
The bronze founder Ravrio (d.1814), who was among the most celebrated of the 'fournisseur officiel' to Emperor Napoleon, may also have been responsible for supplying the Adonis-like figure for this clock. Around 1800, such clocks were retailed by the Parisian marchand merciers such as Martin-Eloi Lignereux.
A John Gilbert (Paris) is recorded as a watchmaker in London in the late 18th Century, while a George Jeffreys is recorded on a longcase clock of the period.
The bronze founder Ravrio (d.1814), who was among the most celebrated of the 'fournisseur officiel' to Emperor Napoleon, may also have been responsible for supplying the Adonis-like figure for this clock. Around 1800, such clocks were retailed by the Parisian marchand merciers such as Martin-Eloi Lignereux.
A John Gilbert (Paris) is recorded as a watchmaker in London in the late 18th Century, while a George Jeffreys is recorded on a longcase clock of the period.