377,500 CHF
The Virgin as Protectress of MessinaItalian, enamel painter's signature Bruno F, for Giuseppo Bruno Fecit in Messina, movement engraved with the initials NK, circa 1640. Magnificent and highly important 20 ct. gold and enamel pendant watch decorated with scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Paola and St. John the Baptist, and the harbour of Messina. Gilded, with Roman chpters, quarter-hour divisions, the centre engraved with flowers. Single gilt brass hand. Notes One of the most exceptional enamelled watches of the period for its masterful technique, style and artistry. Giuseppo Bruno, famous goldsmith and painter on enamel, came from a well-known family of artisans, established in Messina for over 400 years. His signature is found on several important pieces of enamelled jewellery made for the Spanish aristocracy (the Aragon family, which dominated Sicily at the time, was Spanish). We can therefore safely assume that the case is Italian. The movement fetures many characteristics of the German school : the fusee chain at the time was used mostly by the German watchmakers, the French and Swiss usually using gut-line. The barrel cover is not clipped on, but is secured by pins, in the old German manner. There seem to be traces of a hog's bristle regulator, also typical of early German work. The movement hides further surprises; the fusee great wheel, for example, has teeth cut diagonally to avoid their catching on the inside edge of the case. Theock, the set-up work Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31
