Chariot Clock “Au Au char de l’Amour” - Signed Cardinaux à Paris

Rare chariot mantel clock called “Au char de l’Amour”, dated circa 1830, based on the model of André-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814). This ormolu mantel clock represents Eros driving a chariot drawn by two rearing horses. The gilt bronze sculptures of Eros, the horses and the chariot have been sculpted beautifully and lifelike. The clock has a skeleton movement with a blue enamel dial forming the wheel of the chariot. It has a blue decorated enamel with golden Roman numerals and gilt bronze hands for the hours and minutes.This dial carries the signature “Cardinaux à Paris”. Cardinaux is listed as clock maker in Tardy as being active as a clock maker in the Boulevard Poissonnière in Paris from 1800 until 1830.


The sculptures rest on a plinth in sea green marble with the attributes of Eros. On the left side of the plinth we see a torch with a flame. Next on the right side is a quiver with arrows and finally in the middle is a bow with two crossed arrows, wrapped with a ribbon. All of these are typical symbols of Eros. The arrows he shoots to make people fall in love and the fire that warms and ignites the heart.


Details
This chariot clock has been professionally cleaned and is in an excellent condition with beautiful gilding. The movement with anchor escapement, spring suspension and outside count wheel strikes the hour and half hours on a bell. It has been serviced by our clock maker and is in perfect working condition and comes complete with pendulum, bell and key.


Paris, circa 1830.
Dimensions: 46.5 cm wide, 38 cm high and 14 cm deep.


Literature
Pierre Kjellberg, “Encyclopédie de la pendule française”, p.417 #C
Elke Niehüser, “French Bronze Clocks”, p.240 #910
Tardy, Dictionnaire des horlogers français, p.111