Gérald Genta

In 1972, when Gérald Genta and Audemars Piguet embarked on the manufacture of the Royal Oak technical difficulties arose. The avant-garde designs of Gérald Genta stumbled upon the technical difficulties in producing high-grade stainless steel pieces matching Genta’s design specifications. However, at the end the creative impulse of the watch designer prevailed and Audemars Piguet successfully managed to subdue the sturdiness of stainless steel.

In this composition Gerald Genta ambitiously explored the juxtaposition of the solidity of his Royal Oak and organic forms. Crowning the upper right corner of the canvas the geometrical Royal Oak bezel overlooks an array of whimsical shapes. At first sight these seem purley abstract, but upon closer examination these rapid strokes develop into natural motifs reminiscent of botanical forms and subtly become sketchy portraits.

Sotheby’s is thrilled to offer the present lot, a fantasy imbued painting by iconic Gérald Genta and an invitation to enter his imagination and admire his artistic talent beyond watch designing.