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Lot Essay
The present pendant watch is a highly attractive example of Art Nouveau style, featuring a mythical creature, the chimera. According to Greek mythology, the chimera was a fire-breathing creature, described as having the head of a lion with the head of a goat arising from its back, and a tail that ends in a snake's head. The earliest surviving reference of the chimera is by Homer, in the Iliad.
Given that Art Nouveau designs were dominated by themes such as plants and nature, the feminine form, and floral motifs, it is no wonder that such a creature from mythology was chosen to be depicted on the present watch. Many of the Greek gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures have influence over nature and natural occurrences. On the present watch, the chimera's head is depicted open, ready to breathe fire, with decorative scrolls - indicative of what is to come.
Given that Art Nouveau designs were dominated by themes such as plants and nature, the feminine form, and floral motifs, it is no wonder that such a creature from mythology was chosen to be depicted on the present watch. Many of the Greek gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures have influence over nature and natural occurrences. On the present watch, the chimera's head is depicted open, ready to breathe fire, with decorative scrolls - indicative of what is to come.