Enameled Pendant Watch, c. 1700
Franz Ostrzikansky
Vienna, Austria
This Austrian watch displays the common European technique of using enamel to decorate pocket watches. Classical and mythological figures appear all over the enameled case and dial of this watch. In addition to the man, woman, and child shown here, the back of the case shows three more women and a cherub, and the dial depicts a woman sitting with a faun or satyr.
People have used enamel for decorating since ancient times, and enameled work has adorned watches almost since their first appearance. Several techniques for enameling exist, but the basic process involves applying the enamel to a metal base that has been cleaned with acid. Firing the piece hardens the enamel and fuses it and the metal together. The actual painting can occur during several different stages of the process.
It should be noted that the name "Franz Ostrzikansky" appears only on the movement, and so it is possible that he was not the one responsible for the enameling.
Donated by New York University
83.82.436