French Ormolu Chariot Clock, Mid 19th Century

A French ormolu Chariot clock, mid 19th century, movement by…
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A French ormolu Chariot clock, mid 19th century, movement by Vincenti & Cie, stamped 'Medaille d'Argent 1855', 8 day striking on a bell, in the form of cupid carrying a torch being drawn in a chariot with enamelled dial in the wheel with Roman numerals, on a red and green marble base with ormolu mounts and scroll feet. Height 44 cm, width 46 cm, depth 14 cm

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  • Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
  • Ormolu - Ormolu was popular with French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th century for ornamental fittings for furniture, clocks and other decorative items. True ormolu is gilt bronze, that is bronze that has been coated with gold using a mercury amalgam. Due to the health risks associated with using mercury, this method of creating ormolu was discontinued in France in the 1830s. A substitute was developed consisting of about 75% copper and 25% zinc, however it was inferior to the bronze version. It was often lacquered to prevent it tarnishing.
  • Cupid Motif - The Cupid motif, which features the Roman god of love and desire, Cupid, was a popular decorative element in classical ornamentation. Cupid was often depicted as a winged, naked baby with a bow and arrow, and was often used to symbolize love and desire.

    In classical art and architecture, Cupid motifs were often used as decorative elements on furniture, such as on the legs of chairs and tables, as well as on architectural elements such as friezes and pediments. They were also used as decorative elements in frescoes, mosaics, and other forms of art.

    During the Renaissance, Cupid motifs were often incorporated into the decoration of palaces, churches and other grand buildings, as they were seen as symbols of love and fertility. Cupid motifs were also commonly used in the decorative arts of the Baroque period, often appearing in the form of putti, which are small winged cherub figures.

    In addition to their decorative use, Cupid motifs were also believed to hold symbolic meaning, as they were thought to evoke feelings of love, desire, and fertility.

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