You might perhaps be familiar with Grand Feu enamelling, but now Vacheron Constantin have just released a new series of magnificent watches, using another rare and highly skilled technique – that of Grand Feu grisaille enamelling.
Grand Feu Grisaille enamelling
The first historical references to grisaille enamelling technique are to be found between the 9th and 12th centuries, and more specifically in a treatise by a monk named Theophilus dedicated to artistic techniques and entitled De Diversis Artibus.
The watches form part of a vibrant homage to the world of dance and the work of painter Edgar Degas, inspired by his fascination for ballerinas. They celebrate the occasion of the tricententary of the École Française de Danse.
Hommage à l’Art de la Danse collection
The collection was presented at the gala evening for the tricentenary of the École Française de Danse, which was held on April 15th 2013 in the Palais Garnier.
They reinterpret certain works by Edgar Degas – and his ability to capture the graceful gestures and poses – through the age-old art of Grand Feu grisaille enamelling.
Grand Feu grisaille enamelling is a technique mastered by only a handful of artisans. Entirely crafted in the workshops of the Manufacture, the dials are a stunning expression of finesse and timeless elegance.
The master enamel artist drew inspiration from three paintings: Ballet Room at the Opera in Rue le Peletier, 1874, oil on canvas on display at the Musée d’Orsay (Paris, France); Ballet Rehearsal, 1873, oil on canvas exhibited at the Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, United States) ; and Two Dancers on Stage, 1874, oil on canvas on show at the Courtauld Gallery (London, United Kingdom).
The finesse of Grand Feu grisaille enamel painting reveals the slightest details of the protagonists: the tiniest fold of the tutus, the lace adorning their décolleté, the smooth velvet of the ribbons encircling their neck, the petals of the flowers in their hair, the transparency of tulle and muslin.
Whereas grisaille enamelling is generally applied to black enamel, the House artisan decided to work with a translucent brown enamel base in order to accentuate the depth effect while lending a soft nuance to the painting. After applying this base, the enameller adds touches of Limoges white enamel that is then drawn out using needles, extremely fine brushes and even cactus thorns so as to create graded shades and play on the various pigments.
Limoges white enamel is an extremely rare powder mixed with oils. The challenge lies in the material itself that is extremely difficult to work with and requires the artisan to display almost intuitive sensitivity.
Each of the layers requires a firing operation that must be timed to the nearest second. With each Grand Feu firing, the enamels change, become more intense and retract. The enameller’s experience plays an essential role in this process. The firing times are calculated according to the type and quantity of the material applied and their exact duration is one of the trade secrets of the artist who must juggle with a broad range of grey shades.
The remarkable Métiers d’Art Hommage à l’Art de la Danse meet the new standards of the Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva).
Specifications
References 86090/000G-9870 – The dance class
86090/000G-9880 – The rehearsal
86090/000G-9881 – Two dancers on stage
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Calibre 2460 SC, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Energy Mechanical hand-wound
Movement diameter 26.20 mm (11’’’ ¼ )
Movement thickness 3.60 mm
Jewels 27
Number of components 182
Frequency 4 Hz (28’800 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve approx. 40 hours
Indications Hours, minutes
Center seconds
Case 18 carats white gold
40 mm diameter, 9.20 mm thickness
Officer and transparent caseback, closed by screws
Water resistance Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx 30 meters)
Dial 18 carats gold
Grisaille and translucent Grand Feu enamelling
Inspired by the work of French painter Edgar Degas
Strap Black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Buckle 18 carats white gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross
Unique pieces, only available in Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
