Empire Clocks
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Mythological French Empire mantel clock “Venus disarming Amor”
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Exceptional Empire mantel clock “Allegory of wisdom” with Prudentia
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Important Empire mantel clock “Allegory of the Arts and Sciences” signed Bourdier
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Mythological Empire clock “Au char de Vénus” after design by Jean-André Reiche
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Superb Empire mantel clock “The astronomy lesson” attributed to Claude Galle
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Exceptional Empire mantel clock “Allegory of Arts and Sciences” with Apollo
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Spectacular Empire mantel clock “Odysseus” signed Thomire and Moinet
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Important Empire clock “Love makes Time pass” attributed to Claude Galle
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Extraordinary mythological Empire clock “Hera with peacock”
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Splendid Empire chariot clock “Allegory of Day and Night”
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Fabulous Empire clock “Chariot of love drawn by doves” signed Bergmiller
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Extremely rare Empire mantel clock “Eros and Psyche” attributed to Ravrio
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Important Empire period clock “Allegory of Meditation” signed Claude Galle
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Important Empire mantel clock “Lettre d’Amour” by François-Louis Savart
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Refined Empire mantel clock “l’Inquiétude maternelle”
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Important Empire period mantel clock “l’Inspiration”
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Fabulous mythological Empire clock “Ceres at the harvest time”
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Sublime Empire vase clock “Allegory of the four seasons”
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Superior mythological Empire mantel clock “Narcissus”
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Exquisite mythological Empire clock “Allegory of Commerce”
French Empire Mantel Clocks
Buying French Empire clocks
Apollo Art & Antiques is specialist in fine French antique clocks from the 18th century to the 19th century. Discover our French Empire mantel clocks.
We present a fine selection of French Empire mantel clocks for you to buy. In our collection you will find chariot clocks, mythological clocks, and other mantel clocks.
We are at your disposal to give more information about our products. So please contact us using the contact form on our page.
Empire mantel clocks: works of art
French Empire mantel clocks are among the most elegant creations in horology. Especially any Empire clock made by masters like Claude Galle or Pierre-Philippe Thomire. Marrying refined craftsmanship with classical grandeur, they are not merely timepieces but striking works of art that reflect the opulence of early 19th-century France.
Emerging during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign, the Empire style drew inspiration from Greco-Roman antiquity, favouring symmetry, proportion, and splendour. Empire clocks embody this aesthetic through their architectural forms, rich gilded bronze ornamentation, and luxurious materials such as marble, alabaster, and crystal.
A hallmark of these pendules is the extensive use of fire-gilded bronze (also called mercury gilded bronze or ormolu) , often featuring mythological figures, animals, floral motifs or classical columns. Their dials, typically of enamel or porcelain, were delicately painted with Roman or Arabic numerals, and their movements crafted by master horologists were renowned for precision and artistry.
Themes ranged from classical mythology to Napoleonic history, each clock telling its own story through symbolic design. Today, these exceptional pieces remain treasured for their historical resonance and timeless beauty.
Often an Empire clock was accompanied by a matching pair of candelabra or candlesticks to form a clock set.