The Sobieskis and Stuarts. Watch, Isaac Duhamel, c. 1719

repoussé and chased gold, London, c. 1719 
private collection

William Mosman’s portrait ostentatiously displays a gold watch by Queen Clementina’s right hand. To be able to exhibit both a painting and an object portrayed on it, is exceptionally rare. The outer case of the watch is richly decorated with repoussé work alluding to King James and Clementina, to love, the couple’s marriage in 1719, as well as hoped-for progeny. Other symbols are military and refer to the queen’s grandfather King Jan III. The watch was commissioned in 1718 by Frances Erskine, Duchess of Mar, and was given by her to Clementina as a wedding present.

The allegories were undoubtedly made by Frances’ husband John Erskine, Duke of Mar, a skilled amateur of such designs. King James is shown wearing the Order of the Garter, as seen in his portraits in this exhibition, whilst Clementina offers him a burning heart. Behind her is a winged cupid, elsewhere are two doves kissing, two hearts pierced by an arrow, and fruit. Sobieski references include the military attire, sabre, lance, helmet and stirrup. Attached to the watch is a winder engraved with an heraldic design based on the armorials of King Jan III and his French wife Marie Casimire. There are also two seals. One is engraved with two thistles, a symbol of James and Clementina’s right to the Scottish throne. The second, added after 1725, is engraved with the Stuart white rose for King James, and two rose buds for the Princes Charles and Henry.