314,250 CHF
Blois School circa 1650, movement signed Romilly A Paris, circa 1780. Exceptionally fine gold and enamel savonette cased 'Blois' watch, with purpose built movement by Romilly A Paris. Shagreen protecting case. Double body, entirely enamelled on all sides with scenes taken from mythology (see note below). Gilt full plate with pentagonal balluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement with adjustable potance, plain three arm brass balance with flat balance spring and regulator. Pierced and engraved Continental cock. Shagreen covered fitted case contemporary with the movement. In very good condition. Diam. 45 mm. Notes Although clearly not painted by the sanie hand as the watch signed by Champion included in this sale, the quality of the enamel is exceptional, and was certainly the work of a contemporary artist. The subject treated on the case represents three scenes from the Aethiopica of Helidor of Emesa. They are taken directly from a series of roundels painted on copper by Charles Poerson (1609 - 1667),each aproximately 20.5cm. in diameter, which are preserved in the Louvre and the Leegenhoek-Serre Collection (in the latter, the mythological subject is incorrectly ascribed). Following the course of the story the scenes are as follows: Back of case (exterior): Theagène receives the flaming torch from the hand of Chariclée. Front cover (exterior): The Abduction of Chariclée by Theagène (painting in the Louvre RF 1974, 16). Front cover (interior): Queen Persina of
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-11-14
