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8 Epochal science Since its publication, Darwin’s fundamental work on evolutionary biology has shaped our view of the world and our place in it. This copy of the rare first edition, which immediately sold out at the time of publication, was preserved for more than 160 years in the private library of a family of scholars in Geneva. Charles Darwin (1809–1882). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London, John Murray, 1859. First edition. Estimate: CHF 70 000/100 000, Auction 24 March 2021 Meissen splendour The famous Swan Service once comprised some 2 200 pieces until a large part was destroyed in 1945 by Russi- an troops at Pförten Castle, ancestral seat of the Counts of Brühl. The remaining pieces were scattered among museums and private collections. A rare large plate from the Swan Service for Heinrich Graf von Brühl. Meissen, circa 1738/39. The model by Johann Joachim Kändler. D 42 cm. Estimate: CHF 15 000/20 000, Auction 25 March 2021 Fascinating sermon The richness of detail and the precision of this miniature reveal From- mer’s artistic influences: Dutch painting and French graphic art of the 17 th century. Wilhelm Frommer (1618–1687). The Sermon of John the Baptist. Mixed media on parchment. 12.5 × 16.5 cm. Estimate: CHF 4 000/6 000, Auction 26 March 2021 The world of ancient Egypt This monumental publication, which documents Napoléon Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt from 1798 to 1801, was the impetus for the establishment of Egyptology as a science. Only about 150 copies of the first edition were sold in the open market, and complete examples are very rare. Description de l'Égypte, ou recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand. Estimate: CHF 80 000/120 000, Auction 24 March 2021 Parisian chic The reputation of Berthoud's chronometers was without equal in his time. He was purveyor to the court of King Lou- is XV, and enjoyed the protection of influential members of the prestigious Académie des sciences. A rare and fine astronomical skeleton clock with seconds, month, day, date and moon phase, Directoire, Paris, late 18 th century. Dial signed Ferdinand Berthoud. 35 × 13 × 62 cm. Estimate: CHF 25 000/35 000, Auction 25 March 2021