Monumental Bronze Mounted Malachite Figural Clock - "Psyche Crowning Cupid"
$49,500.00
A very large (41" high) and impressive 19th century French Empire style gilt and patinated bronze mounted malachite mantel clock, depicting Greek mythology's 'Psyche Crowing Cupid'. Psyche crowning Cupid with a flower wreath, both semi-nude, standing on a rectangular base with animal paws feet. The couple stands on each side of the clock gazing into each other’s eyes. Each figure with a beautiful dark patina.
The twin train striking movement with outside count wheel.
The backplate impressed AL 23 and JAPY FRERES BASTILLE.
The twin train striking movement with outside count wheel.
The backplate impressed AL 23 and JAPY FRERES BASTILLE.
Dimensions
Height: 41" (104 cm)
Width: 32" (80 cm)
depth: 15" (38 cm)
Height: 41" (104 cm)
Width: 32" (80 cm)
depth: 15" (38 cm)
Cupid and Psyche is a story originally from Metamorphoses written in the 2nd century AD by Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis (or Platonicus). The tale concerns the overcoming of obstacles to the love between Psyche, "Soul" ("Breath of Life") and Cupid (Latin Cupido, "Desire") or Amor ("Love", Greek Eros), and their ultimate union in a sacred marriage. Although the only extended narrative from antiquity is that of Apuleius, Eros and Psyche appear in Greek art as early as the 4th century BC. The story's Neoplatonic elements and allusions to mystery religions accommodate multiple interpretations, and it has been analyzed as an allegory and in light of folktale, Marchen or fairy tale and myth.
