Ferdinand Berthoud
Early Life and Career Born: March 18, 1727, in Plancemont-sur-Couvet, Principality of Neuchâtel (now part of Switzerland) Died: June 20, 1807, in Groslay, Val d'Oise, France Ferdinand Berthoud was born into a family of watchmakers, fostering an early interest in horology. He began his apprenticeship at a young age and demonstrated exceptional skill. In 1753, he became a master watchmaker in Paris, marking the beginning of his professional career. Berthoud held the prestigious position of Horologist-Mechanic by appointment to the King and the Navy. Notable Works and Contribution…
The Subject Atlas
A chart of Ferdinand Berthoud's corpus mapped not by date but by subject. Spokes are what they painted; rings are when; and the threads between stars reveal the patrons and places that secretly connect them.
Spokes — Subject
Each arm of the atlas gathers works by what they depict: portraits, sacred scenes, mythologies, and the scientific studies. Click a spoke to swing that cluster to the top.
Rings — Career Period
Distance from the center marks time. The innermost ring is the earliest period; the outermost, the final years. Style matures as you move outward.
Threads — Shared Context
Coloured lines link works bound by the same patron, commission, or theme. Trace a context to watch related clusters light up across subjects.
