.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This spectacular and mysteriously beautiful cloisonné dial white gold reference 5089-053 is one of the four watches from the “Le Douanier Rousseau” rare handicrafts series of which only six sets were produced. Adding a further layer of exclusivity, the superb dial is made by the world renowned independent enamel artist Anita Porchet whose initials “AP” can be found at 8 o’clock on the dial. As part of the exceptional Champion Collection, the present watch is offered in pristine like new condition with the full set of accessories. An undoubted exclusive trophy for those who appreciate the breathtaking artistic skills of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts department.
Inspired by the post-impressionist artist Henri Rousseau’s paintings, four watches form the complete set of “Le Douanier Rousseau”; The Lion; The Owl (the present watch); The Leopard, and The Bird. The Lion and the Bird were based on the painting “The Dream” whereas The Owl and The Leopard were based on the painting “The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope”. The series was named “Le Douanier Rousseau” as a humourous reference to Rousseau who was nicknamed “Le Douanier” or the Customs Officer due to his profession.
Henri Rousseau (1844-1910)
Was a French post-impressionist painter in the naive or primitive manner. He started painting seriously in his early forties; by age 49, he retired from his job to work on his art full-time. Ridiculed during his lifetime by critics, he came to be recognized as a self-taught genius whose works are of high artistic quality. Rousseau's work exerted an extensive influence on several generations of avant-garde artists.
Anita Porchet (b. 1961)
Born in La Chaux-de-fonds, Anita Porchet learnt the basics of enamel work from Pierre Schneeberger, her godfather, himself an engraver and enameller. Following studies in fine arts, she continued her apprenticeship with the world renowned enameller Suzanne Rohr. Accomplished in all the different enamelling techniques: cloisonne, champleve, plique-à-jour, grisaille, paillonee and miniature painting, Anita Porchet has collaborated since the early 1990s with Patek Philippe and played a significant role in reviving the fine art of enamelling. Anita Porchet has been honoured with the following prestigious awards:
2016 : "Artisan d'art 2016", Les journées européennes des métiers d’art (JEMA), Vaud
2016 : "Hommage au Talent", Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Cité du Temps à Genève
2015 : "Prix Gaïa" dans la catégorie Artisanat-création, Musée International d’Horlogerie de la Chaux-de-Fonds
1984 : "Prix Patek Philippe", Manufacture Patek Philippe, Genève
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The resplendent watch offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The wristwatches with rare handicrafts cloisonné enamel dials, always made in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
This specific reference 5077 is illustrated in the 'Blue Book 5', 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, p. 297.
Inspired by the post-impressionist artist Henri Rousseau’s paintings, four watches form the complete set of “Le Douanier Rousseau”; The Lion; The Owl (the present watch); The Leopard, and The Bird. The Lion and the Bird were based on the painting “The Dream” whereas The Owl and The Leopard were based on the painting “The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope”. The series was named “Le Douanier Rousseau” as a humourous reference to Rousseau who was nicknamed “Le Douanier” or the Customs Officer due to his profession.
Henri Rousseau (1844-1910)
Was a French post-impressionist painter in the naive or primitive manner. He started painting seriously in his early forties; by age 49, he retired from his job to work on his art full-time. Ridiculed during his lifetime by critics, he came to be recognized as a self-taught genius whose works are of high artistic quality. Rousseau's work exerted an extensive influence on several generations of avant-garde artists.
Anita Porchet (b. 1961)
Born in La Chaux-de-fonds, Anita Porchet learnt the basics of enamel work from Pierre Schneeberger, her godfather, himself an engraver and enameller. Following studies in fine arts, she continued her apprenticeship with the world renowned enameller Suzanne Rohr. Accomplished in all the different enamelling techniques: cloisonne, champleve, plique-à-jour, grisaille, paillonee and miniature painting, Anita Porchet has collaborated since the early 1990s with Patek Philippe and played a significant role in reviving the fine art of enamelling. Anita Porchet has been honoured with the following prestigious awards:
2016 : "Artisan d'art 2016", Les journées européennes des métiers d’art (JEMA), Vaud
2016 : "Hommage au Talent", Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Cité du Temps à Genève
2015 : "Prix Gaïa" dans la catégorie Artisanat-création, Musée International d’Horlogerie de la Chaux-de-Fonds
1984 : "Prix Patek Philippe", Manufacture Patek Philippe, Genève
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The resplendent watch offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The wristwatches with rare handicrafts cloisonné enamel dials, always made in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
This specific reference 5077 is illustrated in the 'Blue Book 5', 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, p. 297.