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Lot Essay
John J. Audubon
John James Audubon was born in 1785 in Saint Domingue, now Haiti, an illegitimate son of a French sea captain and his French mistress. He was raised by his stepmother in France, and took an early interest in birds, nature, and drawing. At the age of 18, he was sent to live in America to avoid conscription into Emperor Napoleon's army. He found plenty of birds to study and draw on the family-owned estate at Mill Grove, Pennsylvania, and conducted the first known bird-banding experiment in North America at that time, tying string around the legs of Eastern Phoebes which showed that the birds returned to the same nesting sites each year.
Audubon set up his own business, but continued to draw birds as a hobby. His business was successful, but then encountered hard times, and decided to pursue his hobby full time. In 1826, he brought his collection of life-size bird portraits to England, titled "The American Woodsman", and became a success. His next collection, "Birds of America" was composed of 435 prints, was first printed in Edinburgh, then in London. In 1838, the last print was issued, and Audubon settled back in New York City. He passed away in 1851 at the age of 65.
The Vacheron Constantin Audubon Series
Launched in 1997, Vacheron Constantin's "Audubon – Birds of America" series paid tribute to the 19th-century American naturalist and painter John James Audubon (1785–1851), whose monumental work The Birds of America remains a landmark of ornithological illustration. The series comprised ten distinct bird designs, each produced in a limited edition of only ten examples—a total of just one hundred watches.
The present example, Ref. 43060/000J-8432, depicts the "Long-billed Curlew" in vibrant polychrome cloisonné enamel. The dial is the work of master enamellist Muriel Séchaud, whose artistry is celebrated among collectors of Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art creations. The cloisonné technique involves forming the design's outlines with fine gold wire, then filling the spaces with layers of coloured enamel, each firing in the kiln building depth and brilliance.
The 38mm case is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a hinged back, opening to reveal a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws. The hinged cover is inscribed with the words "John J. Audubon" in homage to the artist.
John James Audubon was born in 1785 in Saint Domingue, now Haiti, an illegitimate son of a French sea captain and his French mistress. He was raised by his stepmother in France, and took an early interest in birds, nature, and drawing. At the age of 18, he was sent to live in America to avoid conscription into Emperor Napoleon's army. He found plenty of birds to study and draw on the family-owned estate at Mill Grove, Pennsylvania, and conducted the first known bird-banding experiment in North America at that time, tying string around the legs of Eastern Phoebes which showed that the birds returned to the same nesting sites each year.
Audubon set up his own business, but continued to draw birds as a hobby. His business was successful, but then encountered hard times, and decided to pursue his hobby full time. In 1826, he brought his collection of life-size bird portraits to England, titled "The American Woodsman", and became a success. His next collection, "Birds of America" was composed of 435 prints, was first printed in Edinburgh, then in London. In 1838, the last print was issued, and Audubon settled back in New York City. He passed away in 1851 at the age of 65.
The Vacheron Constantin Audubon Series
Launched in 1997, Vacheron Constantin's "Audubon – Birds of America" series paid tribute to the 19th-century American naturalist and painter John James Audubon (1785–1851), whose monumental work The Birds of America remains a landmark of ornithological illustration. The series comprised ten distinct bird designs, each produced in a limited edition of only ten examples—a total of just one hundred watches.
The present example, Ref. 43060/000J-8432, depicts the "Long-billed Curlew" in vibrant polychrome cloisonné enamel. The dial is the work of master enamellist Muriel Séchaud, whose artistry is celebrated among collectors of Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art creations. The cloisonné technique involves forming the design's outlines with fine gold wire, then filling the spaces with layers of coloured enamel, each firing in the kiln building depth and brilliance.
The 38mm case is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a hinged back, opening to reveal a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws. The hinged cover is inscribed with the words "John J. Audubon" in homage to the artist.