Watchcase cover: Tisiphone Casting Snakes at Athamas and Ino 1600 - 1625

This is a watchcase cover depicting Tisiphone casting snakes at Athamas and Ino, made by Jean de Court in France, around 1570, from enamel on copper and set within a metal frame. The colorful scene is realized through enamel, a glassy substance that is built up in layers and fired at high temperatures. Enamelwork like this demanded incredible skill, each firing carrying the risk of ruining the entire piece. Notice how the layers of enamel create a sense of depth and luminosity, making the figures almost lifelike. The intense heat of the firing process determined the final appearance of the cover. This reflects the high stakes and alchemical transformation inherent in craft practices. The watchcase cover would have been a luxury item, a status symbol for its owner. The value lies not just in the precious materials, but in the intensive labor and specialized knowledge required to produce it. Appreciating this history of making allows us to move beyond simply admiring its aesthetic beauty, and to recognize the complex social and economic dynamics at play.