History: According to the repair books this watch was returned for overhaul on 25 July 1833 at the request of the Count Cicogna. Note: A fine example of the small size n tact watch constructed on the iTOUVeau caliber movement. More usually such watches were based on the souscription caliber.
EMMANUELE ANTONIO, COUNT CICOGNA H i s t o r i a n (1789-1868) Born in Venice on January 17th, 1789, Emmanuele Cicogna is remembered today as a genuine man of letters, whose interest in the history of his native city was limitless. At the age of ten, Emmanuele Cicogna began religious studies which he was to pursue until 1807. In 1808, he attended grammar and philosophy lectures at the Barnabite College in Udine, which were to g ive him an insight into the Italian Classics. Shortly after, Emmanuele Cicogna enrolled as a student with the Court of Appeal, which led to his appointment as assistant to the Court clerk in 1813. His life was shared between the scrupulous accomplishment of his tasks as a civil servant and his tireless dedication to historical studies. Emmanuele Cicogna was an upright and tranquil man. He deliberately chose not to participate in the discussions held by a number of Venetian intellectuals who, upon rediscovering the glories of the Old Republic under the Restoration, adhered to ideals of liberty and national independence. He served his hierarchic superiors loyally and observed with disenchantment the political events which were to lead to the annexation of Venice to Italy. He refused extreme opinions and attitudes and happily welcomed any institutional change, so long as he was left in peace to pursue the literary and historical studies which meant so much to him. He accepted without too much difficulty the regime imposed by the Italian reign. Incidentally, the new rulers did cover him with glory for his life of study devoted to Venetian history. In his journal, which may be found today in the library of the Correr Museum in Venice with all his other manuscripts, Emmanuele Cicogna summarized his opinions regarding the life in his native city during the Austrian domination, noting that he didn't take sides as "there is nothing more stupid than to unveil one's political opinions. I am for the sun that shines and for the Sovereign who feeds me". On April 19th, 1814, the historian actually described the Austrian ruler as "entirely just and at all times bearing in mind the welfare of the people" . His opinion of the Austrians was however to modify somewhat in the latter part of his life, as a number of Loris publications were censured by the authorities, who considered some of the contents to be injurious to their cause and favoring Italian aspirations. When Emmanuele Cicopa's wife died in 1849, the historical research he embarked on years earlier became his sole raison d care. He spent a great portion of his modest income on acquiring rare manuscripts, Latin and Greek classics, opuscules and books of all types, with tenacity and assiduity. Towards the end of his life, Emmanuele Cicogna was to cede his entire library to the commune of Venice, in exchange for life annuities for his sisters. The inventory lists more than 40,000 volumes and 5, 000 manuscripts, a priceless heritage for future generations of students. He died in Venice on February 22nd, 1868. Emmanuele Cicogna's literary output was considerable. It includes numerous articles and opuscules on all facets of Venetian history ; biographies of nobles, poets, army officers and scientists of the time ; illustrations of sculptures and momments ; chronological and genealogical charts ; chronicles, poetry, testaments and devotion treaties. This enormous work was compiled in 1547 and published as the famous "Essay of Venetian Bibliography".