20206M-001

The four constellations This unique piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel depicts the four seasons by means of the constellations visible in the sky at the different times of the year, together with imagery representing the solar system. To reproduce the magic of the starry firmament, the enameller drew on the full range of his skills. Tracing the contours of the celestial bodies’ orbits and the figures of the constellations called for about 7.26 m of gold wire (~18.66 g). For the nebulous reflections of the Milky Way, he worked with transparent and opaque enamels in 10 colors, while the fine detailing of the nocturnal sky and the astronomical features required 3 colors of miniature painting on enamel. Finishing touches in grisaille enamel au blanc de Limoges created the subtle monochromes with their sculptural effect. Completing this tribute to the heavenly bodies, silver leaf, embedded beneath translucent enamel, according to the technique of paillonné enameling, illuminates the symbols of the seasons and the stars. Each enameled plate required 14 firings at a temperature of approximately 770°C. An oval hour circle in light-blue lacquer presents applied Roman numerals and leaf-shaped hands, all in gilt. The dial center features a hand-guilloched decoration inspired by the rays of the sun and incrusted with cloisonné enamel. A radiant stylized sun motif adorns the clock hands’ center. This piece is powered by the caliber 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement rewound by an electric motor.