2023-06-22 07:55:39
– 18th century WATCHMAKING masterpiece
Exceptional sale signed De Baecque, the French auction house.
Published today at 09:55
Astronomical clock from the 18th century, estimated between 600,000 and 800,000 euros.
About each one
A unique opportunity is offered to collectors and watch enthusiasts, on June 30 in Paris. De Baecque is auctioning off an astronomical clock from the Enlightenment, estimated between 600,000 and 800,000 euros, at the Hôtel Drouot. “It is an alliance between a very advanced technical know-how that is the art of watchmaking in the 18th century and the art of cabinetmaking at the same time”, specifies Géraldine d’Ouince, auctioneer of the vacation.
The piece in question was designed by Bouchet, watchmaker to King Louis XV. It was made by means of a glass cage surrounding the upper sides and a mirror on the back to observe all aspects of the mechanism, making it something that had never been done until then: l one of the first skeleton movements in watchmaking history. This leads to two separate dials. One with indications of solar and lunar sunrises and sunsets according to the seasons. The other, revealing the position of the moon.
The vase positioned on the clock culminates, meanwhile, at three meters and at the same time expresses the size of the room for which it was designed. The rotating dial at the top shows the average time clearly and readable from a distance, simulating the movement of the earth for twenty-four hours. Note the collective nature of the creation of a clock of this size since it required, in addition to the watchmaker to the king, the intervention of the cabinetmaker Jean Baptiste Prévost.
In addition, a large number of details also evoke astronomy. The constellations of the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Cepheus and Cassiopeia engraved on the dial provide a contrast with the sun above the horizon. Elements of the poems of the first century sublimate the decoration: “Ovid’s Metamorphoses”. In any case, this gem promises to thrill fans of art and unheard of mechanisms wishing to take a look at the time and Antiquity, by immersing themselves in history.
De Baecque sale in Paris on June 30 at 2 p.m. at the Hôtel Drouot. Public exhibition from June 28 to 30. www.debaecque.fr
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