Material:  Polychrome & Gilt Enamels on Copper,
              Gilt Bronze/Metal, Silk Brocade

Size:  Frame ~ 6 & 1/4 x 4 & 5/8 inches,  Plaque ~ apx. 3 & 5/8 x 2 & 7/8 inches

Quantity:  1

A divine antique 19th century enamel on copper painting in fine polychrome, with silver and gold gilt overglaze details.   French Limoges attribution, c. 1870 - 1890.

The convex oval plague depicts a harder to find full length aristocratic courting couple, in a lovely garden landscape scene.

Their faces are extremely well done, with excellent detail, color and shading.

The gentleman is holding a walking stick and the lady carries a basket of flowers.

Both are dressed in elaborate court or wedding finery. The details of their clothing is so beautifully executed and realistically rendered that the silk, satin, velvet and lace actually appears to have three dimensional texture, drape and body.  Strangely however, while numerous gilt colors and highlights  to their clothing does show in our images, the silver detail to the ladies shawl, veil and dress, as well as the gentleman's lace jabot and cuffs,  does not appear at all.  I have no idea why our camera was unable to detect the silver foil.  All I can say is that if you like plaque as shown, you will absolutely love it in person.
The background garden scene is also very attractive, with finely detailed trees, shrubs, pillar and urn jardinière, executed in complimentary tones to add subtle definition, while highlighting the couple.

The original gilt bronze/metal frame is a very fancy, finely detailed and somewhat unusual period example;  n the French Empire, Napoleon III manner, with a beautiful large knotted bow center, accented at sides with floral and foliage.

The inner picture frame edge is decorated with an elaborate Neo-classical frieze motif, while the entire outer frame edge is further embellished with a rather unusual fine beaded detail.

The original gold gilt finish does not show especially well in the images, appearing somewhat dark and dull, when it actually remains quite nice and shiny overall.
The enameled center plaque is surrounded by a rich narrow burgundy velvet insert, as well as a fine gilt dore bronze oval secure.

Original cream, rose and green floral silk brocade mat is present, as well as gold silk brocade fabric panel at back.

Frame retains original hinged easel stand for table or desk top display, plus ring ~ loop for hanging.

Due to concerns for the antique fabrics and metal tabs, etc., we have not removed the plaque from the frame, so while we can discern no visible signature, one may in fact be present.  Regardless, we feel the quality is apparent in the obvious skilled technique of the artist, the attention to detail, color, and shading, as well as overall aesthetic appeal.

This item is in extremely nice antique estate condition.   We see no cracks, breaks, crazing, etc to the copper plaque and the enameling remains intact, rich and vibrant.

Not unexpectedly the colors in the floral silk brocade mat have faded somewhat over the years and there is a slight, very subtle darkening at the lower right edge, near inner frame edge, otherwise the mat appears to be in amazingly good condition.    The silk brocade fabric at back has not faired as well, unfortunately.  While it remains in place and seemingly secure, it shows distress, with horizontal fabric separation, mostly to middle area, leaving top and bottom  portions unaffected.  Please see lower left close up image of back. Lastly, there is a very tiny separation in the narrow burgundy velvet trim that surrounds the enameled plaque, likely due to age related shrinkage.  See apx. 7:00 position in the first three photos.

The frame is very nice, with no noted damage.  Easel back is very secure and stable.   All original tabs and hanging ring intact.

A very nice antique enamel plaque, featuring a very attractive couple in a lovely garden scene, certainly executed by a highly skilled or Maitre Emailleur, with an excellent original period frame.
We also have another exceptional Limoges portrait from France presently listed in this same category.  To view, please see the other items in the Antiques Misc category, or click on left image.

Divine Antique French Limoges Enamel On Copper Painting Plaque ~ Courting or Wedding Couple, Garden Scene ~ Gilt Dore Ormolu Frame ~ 19th Century

$ 1495.00