Objekt 4
Oignon with overcase
Description
These clocks are called "oignon" or "onion" because of their round shape and because they have to be "peeled" from their various cases like an onion. The balance cock of the movement is solidly crafted and shows in sculptural work Chronos, the god of time, cutting a field of ears of corn. Above it is the Latin inscription "SIC AMPUTAMUR" ("Thus I am cut"). The enamel painting of the outer case reproduces in bold colors the painting "Caritas Romana" by Simon Vouet (1590-1649, court painter at the French royal court). The Mussard family, originally from France and naturalized in Geneva in 1579, produced numerous goldsmiths and artists.
Object description
Maker: Grand (movement), signed; probably Jean Mussard (1681-1754) (enamels)
London (movement) and Geneva (enamels), around 1720
Gold, enamel, glass, lizard skin
Bequest Carl and Lini Nathan-Rupp, Binningen
Inv. 1982.1037.