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Lot Essay
The superb quality and depth of the enamel decoration of the present watch is a wonderful and beautifully preserved example of the celebrated art of enamel miniatures originating from Geneva in the early 19th century. The scene is an allegory of love possibly representing Orpheus and Eurydice.
It was unusual during that period that an artist would sign his work. The enamel on the present watch, due to its sheer vivacity, quality and artistic prowess, is very reminiscent of the work of Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont. Dupont (1785-1863) was one of the most skilled and renowned enamel painters working in Geneva, he was famous for his portraits of eminent personalities (King Geroge IV, Henry VI among other), as well as boxes and watches for the Chinese market. He cooperated frequently with Ilbery and Piguet & Meylan.
The watchmaker Joseph-Marie Revel (d.1811) was first recorded in Paris in 1774, he became maître-horloger the following year. Until 1783, Revel's workshops were situated at Vieille rue du Temple, then at the Galerie de Valois in the Palais-Royal from 1787-1790. Around 1800 Revel was working at the Galerie de Pierre du Palais Egalité and from 1804-1806 at Palais Tribunat. Revel was both a clock and watchmaker and several examples of his work can be found in museum collections including the Musée du Petit Palais, Paris.
The tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most famous Greek myths and has inspired many important painters. Moreover, many operas, songs and plays have been composed to honour these two great lovers who tragically lost the chance to enjoy their love. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been told in different versions, the earliest known by Ibycus (circa 530 BC), a Greek lyric poet.
It was unusual during that period that an artist would sign his work. The enamel on the present watch, due to its sheer vivacity, quality and artistic prowess, is very reminiscent of the work of Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont. Dupont (1785-1863) was one of the most skilled and renowned enamel painters working in Geneva, he was famous for his portraits of eminent personalities (King Geroge IV, Henry VI among other), as well as boxes and watches for the Chinese market. He cooperated frequently with Ilbery and Piguet & Meylan.
The watchmaker Joseph-Marie Revel (d.1811) was first recorded in Paris in 1774, he became maître-horloger the following year. Until 1783, Revel's workshops were situated at Vieille rue du Temple, then at the Galerie de Valois in the Palais-Royal from 1787-1790. Around 1800 Revel was working at the Galerie de Pierre du Palais Egalité and from 1804-1806 at Palais Tribunat. Revel was both a clock and watchmaker and several examples of his work can be found in museum collections including the Musée du Petit Palais, Paris.
The tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most famous Greek myths and has inspired many important painters. Moreover, many operas, songs and plays have been composed to honour these two great lovers who tragically lost the chance to enjoy their love. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been told in different versions, the earliest known by Ibycus (circa 530 BC), a Greek lyric poet.