Watch 1785 - 1799

This enamel-painted watch, created by the Firm of De Roches Brothers, features a woman seated with a dog in her lap. The dog as a symbol of fidelity has ancient roots, yet here, in the 18th century, it speaks more of domesticity and the virtues of the bourgeoisie. Consider the lapdog: we see echoes of this motif in Renaissance portraits of noblewomen holding small dogs, symbols of their status and wealth, yet also of their gentle nature. Think of Bronzino's Eleonora di Toledo with her son, where the dog mirrors the familial protectiveness. The act of caressing the animal carries its own weight, a tender gesture that speaks of affection and control. It is a motif we find repeated in countless mother-and-child images, a universal language of care. In the collective memory, the bond between humans and animals taps into our primal connection with nature, a longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence. This image engages us on a deeply subconscious level, evoking feelings of warmth, security, and the comforts of home. As time passes, the symbolism of the dog evolves, adapting to the cultural values of each era, yet always retaining its power to evoke emotional responses.