Lot Essay
Jean-Louis Richter was born in Geneva, in 1766. From 1780 through to 1830, only a very few pieces are known to be signed from the Genevan manufacture. J.L. Richter died 1841
Throughout Richters lifetime he was known for is characeristic heads which were upon closer inspection of interesting proportion and doll like features.
Contrary to what is usually thought, painted enamel subjects are seldom through ones own imagination, and Richter himself was inspired by, may it in some cases loosely, known paintings and prints of the period. There are some differences between Richter's interpretations and the originals but this can be mostly attributed to the constricted techniques of enamelling. These changes though are most harmonious and it is sometimes suggested that this was the will of Richter himself.
There are various examples of painted enamel objects by Richter in the Musée de l'Horlogerie et de l'Emaillerie, Geneva. There are other painted enamels on watches by Ilbery which have been attributed to J-L.Richter due to the tremendously high quality of the brushstrokes.
We are indebted to Dr. Hans Boeckh, Geneva, for confirming the attribution of the enamel to Jean-Louis Richter.
Throughout Richters lifetime he was known for is characeristic heads which were upon closer inspection of interesting proportion and doll like features.
Contrary to what is usually thought, painted enamel subjects are seldom through ones own imagination, and Richter himself was inspired by, may it in some cases loosely, known paintings and prints of the period. There are some differences between Richter's interpretations and the originals but this can be mostly attributed to the constricted techniques of enamelling. These changes though are most harmonious and it is sometimes suggested that this was the will of Richter himself.
There are various examples of painted enamel objects by Richter in the Musée de l'Horlogerie et de l'Emaillerie, Geneva. There are other painted enamels on watches by Ilbery which have been attributed to J-L.Richter due to the tremendously high quality of the brushstrokes.
We are indebted to Dr. Hans Boeckh, Geneva, for confirming the attribution of the enamel to Jean-Louis Richter.