20202M-001

The earth on fire This unique piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel represents a lava flow depicted as an abstract composition. To reproduce the cracks in the earth from which the molten magma emerges, the enameller first outlined the compartments or cloisons using about 8.89 m of gold wire (~23.66 g). He then evoked the glow of the lava, requiring 5 colors of transparent enamel and 7 colors of miniature painting on enamel. Silver leaf embedded beneath translucent enamel according to the technique of paillonné enameling illuminated this Dantean scene. To accentuate the apocalyptical realism, he worked with a needle, producing an effect of matt black volcanic rock on part of the decor. Each enameled plate underwent some 15 firings at temperatures approaching 770°C. The hour circle, in slate, presents baguette–cut applied hour markers in orangey-red sapphire (~3.12 cts) harmonizing with black, leaf-shaped hands coated with orange lacquer. The dial center features a sunburst decoration beneath reddish-brown enamel evoking the lava’s glow. This clock is powered by a calibre 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement rewound by an electric motor.