Centuries of Time: A Private Collection
Centuries of Time: A Private Collection
George Achard & Fils
A gold, polychrome enamel and Vernis Martin-style painted quarter repeating automaton watch with jacquemarts Circa 1790, no. 13646
Auction Closed
May 14, 02:23 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
George Achard & Fils
A gold, polychrome enamel and Vernis Martin-style painted quarter repeating automaton watch with jacquemarts
Circa 1790, no. 13646
• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, three-arm balance, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, silver regulation plate, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, two hammers repeating on a bell mounted to inside back, signed Ge Achard & Fils, no. 13646
• Dial: eccentric white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, aperture for winding above 2 o'clock, surround with vernis Martin-style lacquered painting of a landscape scene and two applied Jacquemarts figures striking bells above in tandem with the repeat work
• Case: gold, polychrome enamel painted scene to back depicting Angelica & Medoro and signed as such, within asymmetrical cartouche surrounded by pearl-set swags, gold paillon floral garlands above, front and back bezels pearl-set, plunge pendant for repeat
diameter 56mm
The scene to the case back depicts Angelica and Medoro from Ludovico Ariosto's (1474-1533) romantic epic poem, Orlando Furioso. The poem's narrative relates to the conflict between the Christians and Saracens at the time of Charlemagne. Orlando, who is in love with the King of Cathay's daughter (Angelica), is driven wild with anger when Angelica falls in love with, and eventually marries, Medoro.
George Achard & Fils are listed by Brian Loomes as active in Geneva in the late 18th century.