The Holy FamilyF

The Holy FamilyF. Baronneau A Paris, painting on enamel attributable to Robert Vauquer, circa 1640.Magnificent and very rare large 22 ct. gold and enamel pendant watch, with concealed dial. 47.5 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut-line for the going train, verge escapement,two-arm steel circular foliot, elongated pierced and engraved gilt cock secured by a screw, ratchet wheel andclick set-up.Signed on the backplate.Diam. 61 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 68-69. Notes Robert Vauquer (1625-1670)was born in Blois, the son of a clockmaker and metal engraver. He served his apprenticeship with Morlière. He and his brother Jacques, who was an engraver, lived and worked their entire lives in Blois. Vauquer was much respected by his contemporaries, Félibien and Bernier greatly praising him, as did Dom Liron in his ' Bibliothèque chartraine '. The abbé de Marolles said ' As for Robert Vauquer, his work pleases us '. A round watch, with the Holy family as principal subject, along with the Chrischild, and incidental hunting scenes, signed ' Vauquer pinxit ', is said to have belonged to Anne d'Autriche. A series of paintings on enamel representing scenes from the Passion, signed ' Robertus Vauquerius Blesensis ', can be admired in the numismatic cabinet of the Vatican, a gift of Pope Leon XII.Baronneau FrançoisBaronneau is recorded as working in Paris, between 1620 and 1649, established in Rue Saint-Jacques, la Boucherie.