Swiss. A fine and rare 18K gold, enamel and pearl-set book-form box with watch and enamel miniature

UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1800

Details

Swiss. A fine and rare 18K gold, enamel and pearl-set book-form box with watch and enamel miniature
Unsigned, circa 1800
The watch with gilt-finished keywound cylinder movement, white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, hinged gold and pearl-set bezel, set in the cover of the rectangular book-form box and surrounded by an applied and pearl-set gilt frame, both sides of translucent royal blue enamel over an engine-turned ground decorated with fans, the reverse with a neoclassical enamel miniature depicting a lady and Amor in classical landscape, within raised gilt pearl-set frame, applied gilt trophies to both ends, the spine with blue and black enamel cartouches and raised pearl-set separations, the whole opening to reveal a photo frame to the right and an engine-turned gilt cover with applied gilt trophies to the corners to the left, unsigned
82 mm. long

Lot Essay

The present lot is a fine example for the outstanding craftsmanship of Genevan enamellers, case and watchmakers of the early 19th century.

The miniature enamel painting is in the manner of Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807), a Swiss neo-classical painter. Maria Anna Catharina Angelica Kauffmann had an established reputation as an artist and musician by the age of eleven. Her father taught her and also accompanied her to Italy where she studied and continued to create her Rococo-style paintings. Kauffmann moved to London in 1766 and met Sir Joshua Reynolds. Founding member of the Royal Academy in 1769, she married fellow artist, Antonio Zucchi. The couple moved to his home country of Italy and settled in Rome. In addition to her many portraits, several of Kauffmann's great works were the decorations at St. Paul's and the Royal Academy's lecture room at Somerset House.

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