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The following two lots are fine examples of the en grisaille technique introduced by George Michael Moser and very popular in 18th century London.
George Michael Moser (1706-1783) was a renowned artist and enameller of the 18th century, notably for his fine "en grisaille" enamel technique and repoussé work on watch cases.
Born in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Moser trained initially as a coppersmith in Geneva, later learning additional skills as a chaser, goldsmith, engraver and enameller. He moved to London during the 1720s and became the Royal Academy's first Keeper. As a teacher at the Academy, Moser taught many notable artists including William Blake. He also taught at the St Martin's Lane Academy and was drawing master to the British Royal family.
Moser and his daughter Mary Moser, the celebrated floral painter, were among the founder members of the Royal Academy in 1768.
Matthew Hill. A very fine 18K gold, enamel and pearl-set pair case verge watch, enamel in the manner of Moser
SIGNED MATTHEW HILL, LONDON, NO. 472, STAMPED WITH LONDON DATE LETTER FOR 1776
Details
Matthew Hill. A very fine 18K gold, enamel and pearl-set pair case verge watch, enamel in the manner of Moser
Signed Matthew Hill, London, No. 472, stamped with London date letter for 1776
With gilt-finished full plate cylinder movement, chain fusée, finely engraved and pierced balance cock and foot, diamond endstone, metal dust cap, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer Arabic five minute divisions, blued steel beetle and poker hands, in plain inner case, the outer case with white champlevé enamel floral decoration on translucent blue enamel background to bezel and rim, the reverse with translucent brown enamel on guilloché background centred by an oval en grisaille painted enamel classical scene in the manner of Moser, movement and dust cover signed
41 mm. & 48 mm. diams.
Signed Matthew Hill, London, No. 472, stamped with London date letter for 1776
With gilt-finished full plate cylinder movement, chain fusée, finely engraved and pierced balance cock and foot, diamond endstone, metal dust cap, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer Arabic five minute divisions, blued steel beetle and poker hands, in plain inner case, the outer case with white champlevé enamel floral decoration on translucent blue enamel background to bezel and rim, the reverse with translucent brown enamel on guilloché background centred by an oval en grisaille painted enamel classical scene in the manner of Moser, movement and dust cover signed
41 mm. & 48 mm. diams.