Empire period chariot clock

A chariot clock depicting Love or Cupid on his chariot drawn by two doves amidst clouds.

The back of the chariot is adorned with Cupid's quiver and bow. The chariot surmounts a terrace decorated on the front with a charming frieze in the style of Clodion, depicting putti in a landscape playing with a goat.

The almost skeletal movement, concealed within the chariot wheel, features an annular dial with Roman numerals, marked by the clockmaker Chevallier in Paris. It is in working order and strikes the hours and half-hours.

Parisian work from the Empire period – early 19th century.

Width: 33 cm
Height: 34 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm.

Appearing as early as the 16th century, chariot clocks drawn by animals reached their peak popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Numerous models were produced during this period, demonstrating great diversity and genuine imagination. Unlike other themes created under the Empire, they demonstrate a great deal of movement, and often grace and elegance.