Important Collector's Watches, Pocket...
Geneva, Nov 11, 2007
LOT 179
Danaë and the Golden Rain James Wightman, London. Made circa 1680, the case attributed to Pierre II Huaud. Fine, 20K gold and painted on enamel single-hand pre-balance spring pendant watch.
CHF 15,000 - 18,000
EUR 9,000 - 11,000 / USD 13,000 - 15,000
Sold: CHF 17,700
C. Two-body, bassine, curved edge, polychrome enamel scene with a nude reclining Danaë in the foreground and a servant in the background, catching gold in a cloak as golden rain falls from the sky, the inside painted with lakeside ruins and a passing traveler, four vignettes on the band with rural landscapes, bezel with engraved stylized leaves, loose ring pendant. D. Enamel on gold, radial Roman hour chapter on white enamel annular ring, the center painted on enamel depicting Diana and her dog. Steel poker hand. M. 32.7 mm. gilded, hinged full plate, fusee and cat-gut, short three-wheel train, circular steel foliot, irregular pierced and engraved cock secured by a screw, ratchet-wheel mainspring set-up with pierced and engraved gilt brass elaborate click. Movement signed. Diam. 39 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 4-34 |
Fair Restored by the manufacture |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 4-37-01 |
Fair Re-gilt HANDS Original |
Notes
At the end of the 17th century there were two known watchmakers named Wightman, John and William. John was apprenticed to Jonathan Jones in 1688 and free in 1696; William was apprenticed to the famous Joseph Windmills from 1686 to 1694. It is conceivable that James was the father of one, or both of them.
Danaë and Jupiter
When Acrisius, king of Argos, learned from an oracle that his grandson would dethrone him, he had his only daughter Danaë imprisoned in a tower. Jupiter transformed himself into a shower of gold and impregnated Danaë, who gave birth to Perseus. Acrisius locked the mother and child in a chest which he cast into the sea. Danaë and Perseus are often considered to be the Greek counterpart to the immaculate conception.