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Source Description
The case of this watch showcases a process called guilloché, where subtle but kaleidoscopic effects are created through mechanical means. Geometric shapes are carved into metal by engine turning. The resulting patterns of fine lines are covered with transparent enamel. When light hits them it creates oscillating optic effects. Here, five or six layers of translucent enamel have been fired successively over these engraved patterns to achieve a brillant blue.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
786
label
Watch with a Guilloché Case with Pearls
core
obj
dtoType
object
citationUrl
pageCount
3
Source metadata
id
786
sourceUrl
contentType
object
stage
normalized
title
Watch with a Guilloché Case with Pearls
description
The case of this watch showcases a process called guilloché, where subtle but kaleidoscopic effects are created through mechanical means. Geometric shapes are carved into metal by engine turning. The resulting patterns of fine lines are covered with transparent enamel. When light hits them it creates oscillating optic effects. Here, five or six layers of translucent enamel have been fired successively over these engraved patterns to achieve a brillant blue.
provenance
Anatole Demidoff [1812-1870], Prince of San Donato. Tiffany and Co., New York, prior to 1893 [1]. Acquired by Henry Walters, Baltimore; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.[1] on 1893 list, no. 20
date
ca. 1791
citationUrl
rightsUri
CC0
language
en
genreSpecific
Timepieces, Clocks & Watches
watches
watchcases
imageCount
3
pageCount
3
source
import
dimensionsRaw
Diam: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
Source extras
inscriptions
[Signature] On movement: Adamson à Paris
med
gold, enamel, pearl
creator_ids
6290
15446
collection_ids
EAN
exhibition_ids
none
Page inventory
seq
1
type
photo
mediaId
51c21b681a654d38
hasOcr
no
hasDescription
no
seq
2
type
photo
mediaId
9fc9b5f97392ba7e
hasOcr
no
hasDescription
no
seq
3
type
photo
mediaId
4515073a928141e2
hasOcr
no
hasDescription
no