17,825 CHF
“Alexander destroying the Persian Cavalry” Fromanteel, No 941, circa 1695, painting on enamel by Vauquer P(inxit), circa 1660. Very fine and rare, 20K gold and enamel watch. To be sold without reserve. Two-body, painted on both sides with battle scenes, the enamel plaque is by Robert Vauquer (1625-1670) who worked in Blois. The battle scene on the back is biblical, while that on the inside, painted en grisaille and signed, is of Alexander destroying the Persian Cavalry. The body of the gold case has two bands of foliate engraving and a swivel pendant. Gold, champlevé, Roman hour chapter ring with half-hour lozenges, outer minute ring with five-minute Arabic numerals. Blued-steel “tulip” and “poker” hands. 39 mm, gilt brass full plate, elaborate tulip pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, blued-steel flat balance spring, one-footed cock pierced and engraved in symmetrical scrolling foliage, flower blossom in the center, worm and wheel set-up, rack and pinion regulator with silver plate. Signed on the movement and the dial, the number engraved on the band in a special cartouche by the pendant. Enamel signed on the inside back. Diam. 46 mm. Notes Provenance: Lord Sandberg Collection, published in the Sandberg book, pages 108-109. Dr. Hans Boeckh has established that the scenes derive from prints after engravings by Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630). The level of mastery which painting on enamel had reached in 17th century France had declined
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2005-10-16
