Lot 415

Jonathan Lowndes

A fine, heavy London pair-cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch with very fine outer "repoussé" case "Artemis and Actaion"

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The impressively well-preserved outer case shows on the back in repoussé technique the hunter Aktaion in the state of transformation into a stag as Artemis' punishment for having observed her bathing. Actaeon was then torn to pieces by his own hounds which could not recognize him. The rim is elaborately openworked and lavishly decorated with foliage and birds of prey heads, as well as medallions with chased flower bouquets. The golden inner case is similarly elaborate; its rim is openworked and has ornaments with foliage, birds, two winged putti and cartouches with landscapes.

Jonathan Lowndes, "at the Dyal in Pall Mall, a famous and celebrated maker", was a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London from 1680 until 1710, making him a contemporary of Tompion and Quare. Many of his clocks remain but we know of only a few pocket watches.