Gérald Genta is a substantial monograph that explores, for the first time, a lesser-known artistic side to the internationally acclaimed Swiss watchmaker. Aptly named the ‘Picasso of Timepieces’, Genta was also a passionate painter, a facet of his life often overshadowed by his watchmaking fame. This beautifully crafted book, created in collaboration with his estate, showcases the breadth of Genta’s artistic talents, revealing his true passion and creativity.
As his wife Evelyne fondly recalls, painting was Genta’s ‘oxygen’, a constant companion throughout his travels and a true reflection of his inner drive. This collection provides a chronological journey through his works, illustrating the effortless unfolding of the figurative compositions into the abstract style of his painterly work. His work reflects a rich tapestry of art historical influences, including the work of Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Marie Laurencin, Joan Miró and Amedeo Modigliani, providing a fresh perspective on his creative output.
Fully illustrated with over 350 paintings and featuring an insightful introduction by British art critic and writer James Cahill, this monograph is a must-have for art enthusiasts and collectors. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known artistic legacy of Gérald Genta, a master whose work has left an indelible mark on both the watchmaking and art worlds.
Publication:
February 2025
Illustrations:
359 colour
Dimensions:
305 x 255 mm
Format:
Hardback
ISBN:
978-1-912122-82-0
No. of pages:
396
Gérald Genta (1931–2011) was a Swiss watchmaker and artist, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of horology. Born to a Swiss mother and Italian father, he faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty and displacement. During the Second World War, Genta’s father was forced to move to Italy and Genta struggled without knowing the language. The family returned to Switzerland when Genta was 14, and he left school for paid employment. Amid these hardships, he developed an acute passion for drawing, which formed the bedrock for the creative life that followed.
James Cahill is a British writer, critic and art historian. His debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, was published in 2022. His career has spanned the art world and academia, and he has written and lectured extensively on contemporary and historical art. He has curated exhibitions at King’s College London and the Museum of Classical Archaeology, Cambridge, examining the connections between contemporary art and classical antiquity. His contributions to publications include Apollo, The Burlington Magazine, The Times Literary Supplement, The Los Angeles Review of Books and The London Review of Books.