Exceptional Horological Sale Celebrat...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Apr 24, 2004

LOT 124

Apollo and the Sibyl (Jean-Jacques-Baptiste) Verdier a Paris, enamel painting attributed to Jean V Mussard, Geneva, circa 1740. Very fine gold and painted on enamel "oignon" type watch.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 9,500 - 12,600 / USD 11,700 - 15,600

Sold: CHF 18,400

C. Two-body, back finely painted with a scene depicting Apollo and the Sibyl, border painted with leaves and flowers.D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals with half-hour divisions, outer minute divisions with large five-minute Arabic markers, winding aperture between 3 and 4 o?clock. Gold "Louis XV" hands.M. 38 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock Signed on the movement.Diam. 52 mm.


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Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 24 - 01

Notes

Apollo and the Sibyl One of the sibyls -women who had the gift of prophecy-, who was a daughter of Venus, was so beautiful that Apollo wanted her himself. She, however rejected Apollo?s advances. When Apollo offered to grant her a wish, she took a handful of sand and asked him to give her as many birthdays as there were grains of sand in her hand. Apollo did so, but to punish her for her refusal, he also allowed her to grow old. The present scene depicts the sibyl?s refusal, as she is pointing her finger to the heavens, saying that she belongs only there. Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier Became a Master in 1737, is recorded as being established in 1739 in the Rue des Marais, and in 1773 became a "Juré". Jean V Mussard (1681-1754) The son of Jean IV, he was received Master goldsmith in 1699. Best known for his painting on enamel, he was influenced by the style of the Frères Huaud. He became associated with his son Jean-Antoine. Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, Geneva, 1998.