French gold and enamel verge pendant watch Circa 1650

Gold verge decorated with a painted-on enamel scene by Grégoire Gamot
–
An extremely fine and equally rare French gold and enamel, single-handed pendant watch by Grégoire Gamot and enamel case by Henri Toutin and Jean II Toutin, circa 1650. After Sébastien Bourdon (1616-1671).
Gold case with a finely painted enamel scene, another polychrome enamel scene on the inside, and a deeply curved band. Enamel dial, chapter ring with Roman radial hours and half-hour dots, the centre decorated with painted-on enamel scene. Gilt-brass full plate movement, verge escapement. Movement signed.
–
Diameter: 64 mm
–
Signed: G. Gamot à Paris
–
Grégoire Gamot was a well-known master watchmaker from 1628 to 1673 in Paris.
He was probably born around 1605 and married 1628 Marie Marques (Margue-Marge-Maricque-Marques), daughter of the watchmaker Etienne Marques. From this marriage, at least four children were born. On October 8, 1628, the son Daniël was baptized, godmother was Marie Rodez, wife of the clockmaker Daniel Dugué. On July 13, 1632, at the baptism of Grégoire’s son, Etienne Marques was the godfather. On June 14, 1633, the son Jacques was baptized. On May 25, 1640, “Madame Gamot Horlogère” (watchmaker) died. Marie Gamot-Marques was also a watchmaker due to her father’s and husband’s professions. Daughter Marie married the watchmaker Claude Arthus on November 24, 1652; witnesses are Grégoire and Jeann Gonthier, Grégoire’s new wife.
–
Grégoire married Jeanne Gontier about a year after Marie Gamot-Marques died. At least four children were born from this marriage. On June 9, 1642, the son Maximilian was baptized. On November 2, 1645, the baptism of the son Gilles followed . Then there are Antoine, Louis and Françoise, whose baptism date is unknown. Grégoire was with Jeanne and both watchmakers Gilles Gamot and Louis Gamot on July 27, 1670, at the wedding of master goldsmith Pierre II le Bastier (v.1641-?), with daughter Françoise Gamot. Antoine Gamota’s will is known and dated April 15, 1673; he was married twice.
–
Grégoire worked from 1628 to 1673 in several places in the city; he was based at Rue de la Calandre, Parish of Saint-Germain le Vieil (1634). Afterwards, in the Rue de la Barillerie, Parish of Saint-Barthélemy (1638). This street is perpendicular to Rue de la Calandre. It crosses the island from Pont au Change (Quai de l’Horloge) to Pont Saint-Michel (Quai des Orfèvres). It is the heart of Paris, the district of master watchmakers, goldsmiths, metalworkers, etc. On February 20, 1646he signed, together with five other colleagues representing the community of masters, the new statutes of the Watchmakers’ Association of the City of Paris and asked Louis XIV to confirm and renew the privileges, distinctions and commissions of this art and craft. The colleagues are Pierre Belon, David Margotin, Nicolas Bernard, Claude Raillard and Guillaume Beauvais. Grégoire Gamot was Nicolas Bourret ‘s tutor for 6 years from September 1, 1634 the son of Nicolas Bourret, assistant to the Presidency of Mantes, for £180.
–
Only a few watches by Grégoire have survived, but there are some very fine enamelled watch cases by the Parisian enamel painters Henri Toutin (1614-ap.1683) and Jean (II) Toutin (1619-ap.1660), among others. Most clocks can be found in museums such as the Historisches Museum Basel, The Walters Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Musée du Louvre (Département des Objets d’art). A few others appeared at public auctions.
–
Grégoire Gamot died on August 7, 1673; Gilles Gamot and Louis Gamot were involved in the funeral, according to the death certificate.
–
Toutin, Henry ( 1614 – 1683 ), French goldsmith and enamel painter
The son of Jean Toutin ( 1578 – 1644 ) was born in Châteaudun on July 28, 1614, settled in Paris in 1636 and became a master. He left behind many excellent and signed enamel paintings. His earliest known works date from 1636 and are also the first dated works of this type. Many of these works show mythical events or unusually delicate floral decorations. It is believed that he emigrated from France before 1683 (as a Huguenot). In 1683 he died in Paris.
–
Sébastien Bourdon (1616-1671) was a French painter and engraver who lived and worked during the Baroque period. He was born in Montpellier, France, and spent much of his career working in Paris, where he became a member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
–
Bourdon was known for his versatility as an artist, creating works in various genres, including religious scenes, historical and mythological subjects, landscapes, and portraits. His style was characterized by a blend of classical and Baroque elements, focusing on naturalism and dramatic lighting effects.
–
Some of Bourdon’s most famous works include “The Crucifixion” (1644), “The Discovery of Achilles among the Daughters of Lycomedes” (1652), and “Moses and the Burning Bush” (c. 1660). He also produced several engravings, including illustrations for a French translation of Ovid’s “Metamorphoses.”
–
Bourdon’s work was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was one of the most prominent artists of his era. His legacy continues influencing artists today, and his works can be found in museums and collections worldwide.