12,390 CHF
“Hercules and Omphale” Patek, Philippe & Cie. , Genève, No. 99899, case No. 214763. Made for C. Fredenbagen, Agent General, Buenos Aires, sold in 1895. Very fine, rare and unusual, 18K gold keyless lady's pendant watch in 18th century style with repoussé case signed G. Hantz. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives. Four-body, repoussé, bezel chased with scrolls and foliage, hinged back cover decorated with a scene of Hercules and Omphale within a scroll and shell border, signed "G. Hantz". Hinged gold cuvette. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute track. Gold "Louis" hands. Notes Hercules and Omphale In punishment for murdering his friend Iphitus in a fit of madness, Hercules was sold as a slave to Omphale, queen of Lydia, for three years. She made him her lover. Hercules is often represented seated beside Omphale who is caressing him. Often the two lovers are depicted as having exchanged attributes, with Omphale wearing Hercules’ lion's skin and holding his club, while he is draped in colorful robes and holds a distaff or spindle. Cupid is often present. The subject was not favored in classical Greek art, perhaps because it shows the hero in an effeminate way, but it is found in Hellenistic times. In Renaissance and particularly Baroque painting it illustrates woman's domination of man. Georges Hantz An engraver and chaser from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his decorated watch cases. He became the Director of the Musée des Arts Déc
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2006-05-14
