Large Louis XVI style ormolu mantel clock

This wonderfully ornate mantel clock is crafted from ormolu in the Louis XVI style. The clock is defined by a large and impressive sculptural surmount of a male and female figure. The duo, which represents Cupid and Psyche, is superbly cast and finished, with fine detailing evident throughout, such as the soft folds of Psyche’s dress and the fabric that covers Cupid’s lap.

Situated between Cupid and Psyche is the clock drum, inset with a circular white enamel clock dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks and Arabic numeral five-minute marks. The sculptural group and clock drum are set atop the plinth-form case, which in turn is raised on toupie feet. The case is superbly finished with foliate garlands, fabric swags, and other delicate motifs.

The dial is signed ‘Fd. Berthoud / Paris’ for Ferdinand Berthoud, a celebrated clock maker active in Paris during the late 18^th and early 19^th Centuries.