Wall clock (pendule en cartel) 1735 - 1750

This gilded wall clock, crafted by Jean Godde l'aîné, presents a fascinating tableau of symbols. At its apex, a cupid presides, an allegory of love's dominion over time, mirroring classical depictions of Eros guiding human affairs. Below, the figure of Father Time reclines with his scythe, a memento mori reminding us of time's relentless passage. This grim reaper is not unique; we can see his specter echoed in countless epochs, from medieval danse macabre to modern existentialist art. The dance between cupid and Father Time is a recurring motif, embodying the tension between desire and mortality. Through the ages, the human psyche has grappled with this dichotomy, each era reinterpreting it through its own cultural lens. The emotional weight of such images remains potent, engaging viewers on a subconscious level as it taps into universal anxieties. Thus, the symbolism of the clock is a testament to our enduring obsession with time and its passage.