Watch case

Christophe Morliêre

ca. 1645–50 · Metal, enamel · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Many of the flowers depicted on the exterior of this watchcase were copied from models provided in a series of prints by Nicolas Cochin or Noël Cochin for use by goldsmiths, titled Livre nouveau de fleurs tres util pour l’art d’orfevrerie, et autres (Paris, 1645). This new form of painting on a pure white ground was developed by about 1630; its invention is generally ascribed to Jean I Toutin (1578–1644). In Blois, enamelers were under the special protections of Gaston, duc d’Orléans (1608–1660), but Paris, too, was an early and important center of production. An increasing number of sources from which these enamel painters took their designs have been identified, and it seems safe to say that most, if not all, were content to reproduce in miniature the work of other artists.

Artist

Christophe Morliêre

Date

ca. 1645–50

Medium

Metal, enamel

Culture

French, Paris or Blois

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917