Le Char De Venus, Large Antique French Clock Set, Japy Freres
by Hippolyte François Moreau (1832-1927)

~ French - Circa 1880 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A Stunning, Large Antique French clock set by the sculptor Hippolyte François Moreau entitled Le Char De Venus(The Chariot of Venus).

It features a beautifully modelled figure of Venus reclining in her chariot drawn by a pair of Erotes or winged Love-Gods through the clouds. A pair of cherubs cling to the rear of the Chariot. The side vases are classical in style with laurel handles, swags of flowers and bows and are mounted on matching marble bases. The set is beautifully made in patinated bronzed metal mounted on variegated specimen marble bases, it is in very good condition. A plaque is mounted on the front of the case with the artist and the title of the piece. It is modelled in the round and so would display beautifully in the centre of a room.

Hippolyte François Moreau (1832-1927) was the second son of Jean-Baptiste Moreau, Hippolyte Moreau went to work in Paris under the direction of Jouffroy and exhibited his first work at the Salon in 1859. The best of his work includes charming full figures of children and young women, mostly allegorical, often with the same subjects as used by Hippolyte's brother Auguste. He is well listed and known, see the Artprice database for more information.  

The French movement is of by Japy Freres and has the makers mark on the movement backplate. It is of the makers usual high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent with clean and bright finish and there are no losses. There is some wear on the high spots and a few minor areas of discolouration or marks to the original patination, particularly to the vases. Marble is in excellent condition with just some minor nibbles on the edges. It has a good polish. Dial is also in excellent condition with just slight chip to the edge that is not noticeable with the bezel closed. A stunning clock set, a centrepiece for your room and collection!

 
Japy Freres mark on the movement backplate.  F Moreau signature plaque on the front of the clock case.

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.