Limoges French Enamel Miniature Portrait, 18K Gold Brooch

Jewelry : Antique

 

A fine old French, likely Limoges, enamel portrait from the early part of this century, we're quite sure - this one is set in a brooch of 18K gold. The box is not original to this brooch, but does go along with it. The box is an antique jewelry presentation box from Montevideo. The enameled miniature portrait plaques are work of art, each one. The process to achieve these is so painstakingly labor and experience intensive, it's always a thrill to find these and see the work. This process is one in which the enamel goes on as a liquid-floated powder, and the colors are not true. That means, someone doing this miniature 'painting' is working in layers of only slight variations of mauve or bluish powder, hoping (and praying) that it's in the right spot, in the right amount, so that when it comes out of the kiln-fired process that melts the enamels, it actually resembles what the artist (usually a goldsmith or metalsmith) wanted to achieve. It is only in the firing that the enamels melt and reveal how well the artist's skill has served him/her. It is an incredible task, and takes many many years to gain proficiency, let alone true artistry in this medium, as you see in these old French and Austrian enamels. Truly a gem!

Excellent condition all the way on this one - enamel is beautifully preserved. No chips or cracks, no hairlines at all. A splendid miniature. The gold mount is hallmarked (French marks, poincon), and is 18K gold.

Item ID: 206enampin