A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectangular Vert de Patricia marble base with a fine mottled bottom... — Read More

A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectangular Vert de Patricia marble base with a fine mottled bottom band. The base displays a beautiful richly chased central ormolu plaque depicting a young shepherd laying with his sheep who are being taunted by a dog. At each side are finely detailed pierced foliate palmette mounts and handsome lion heads. Above are two exquisite richly chased ormolu figures seated on scrolled fluted architectural elements. The maiden to the left is the winged Psyche draped in wonderfully executed flowing period attire with a charming butterfly on her left should. To the left is Cupid also dressed in an elegant flowing garment with lovely finely detailed flowers in his hair and holding a lyre. Each displays a most remarkable satin and burnished finish as all the other ormolu elements throughout. The white enameled clock face displays finely written Arabic numerals with fine pierced ormolu hands with lovely foliate designs. A wrap around ormolu band with a twisted ribbon design extends along the border and the clock is set in a Vert de Patricia base with handsome lion heads at each side and raised by a striking ormolu pedestal. All original gilt throughout.

In Greek mythology, the story of Cupid and Psyche is one of the ancient world's most tragic yet beautiful love stories. Psyche, enchanted by the sound of Cupid's lyre, is drawn to his remarkable castle. Cupid presents Psyche with the gift of living in his glorious castle and his eternal love, but Psyche must never lay eyes on him. Their story is one of great sacrifice, trust and overcoming all odds to be with the one you love. — Read Less