The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 249

La Vierge aux RosesBlois school enamel, possibly by Christophe Morlière, circa 1640, movement bearing the signature Goullons A Paris.Magnificent and extremely rare very large 22 ct. gold and enamel single-hand pendant watch, with concealed dial.

CHF 150,000 - 200,000

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Sold: CHF 256,500

C. Two-body, 'bassine fermée', the front lid very finely painted with The Virgin and Child encircled by roses, after an engraving by Simon Vouet (1590-1649), the back with a charming scene of the Virgin and the Child in the manger, adored by two angels, also after Vouet, the inside of the lid painted with a garden scene and a classical building in the foreground, inside the back a scene of country festivities with a castle in the background, the band painted with rose buds and blossoms. D. Silve, champlevé radial Roman chapters, a town scene in the centre. Blued-steel 'tulip' hand. M. 51 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut-line for the going train, verge escapement with two-arm circular foliot, elongated and irregular cock asymmetrically pierced and engraved with foliage and strawberries and secured by a screw, worm and wheel set-up.Signed on the movement.Diam. 68 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 64-65.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 13 - 18
Movement: 29*

Lacking elements

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 29 - 04

Notes

Morlière Christophe (1604-1644)engraver, goldsmith, and painter on enamel, he early settled in Blois where he married Marie Poëte, who came from a long line of distinguished watchmakers. Soon after coming to Blois, he received the patronage of Gaston d'Orléans, becoming Orfèvre et Graveur de son Altesse Royale. According to Félibien, he particularly devoted himself to the decoration of 'rings and watch cases'. Morlière's work came to be so much in fashion that he knew no rival. It is thought that the watches given to the Kingand Queen in 1637 by Mlle de Montpensier were decorated by him. His brother-in-law, Jacques Poëte, a skillful watchmaker, no doubt also entrusted the painting of his watches to Morlière. Among the apprentices taught by Christophe Morlière were Grémy, Pillerault, and Robert Vauquer. In 1643, when the city of Blois wished to present a watch representing the finest of Blois' horological artistry to Marguerite de Lorraine upon her marriage with the duc d'Orléans, Morlière was chosen to execute thisrestigious commission. He received 1200 livres for it, the highest sum paid at the time for comparable work.