256,500 CHF
La Vierge aux RosesBlois school enamel, possibly by Christophe Morlière, circa 1640, movement bearing the signature Goullons A Paris. Magnificent and extremely rare very large 22 ct. gold and enamel single-hand pendant watch, with concealed dial. 51 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut-line for the going train, verge escapement with two-arm circular foliot, elongated and irregular cock asymmetrically pierced and engraved with foliage and strawberries and secured by a screw, worm and wheel set-up.Signed on the movement.Diam. 68 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 64-65. Notes Morlière Christophe (1604-1644)engraver, goldsmith, and painter on enamel, he early settled in Blois where he married Marie Poëte, who came from a long line of distinguished watchmakers. Soon after coming to Blois, he received the patronage of Gaston d'Orléans, becoming Orfèvre et Graveur de son Altesse Royale. According to Félibien, he particularly devoted himself to the decoration of 'rings and watch cases'. Morlière's work came to be so much in fashion that he knew no rival. It is thought that the watches given to the Kingand Queen in 1637 by Mlle de Montpensier were decorated by him. His brother-in-law, Jacques Poëte, a skillful watchmaker, no doubt also entrusted the painting of his watches to Morlière. Among the apprentices taught by Christophe Morlière were Grémy, Pillerault, and Robert Vauquer. In 1643, when the city of Blois wished to present
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31