Christ Carrying His Cross – Painted Enamel From Limoges, 19th Century

Christ Carrying His Cross
Painted enamel from Limoges
19th century
Limoges work, in the Renaissance style
Polychrome painted enamel on copper
Carved and gilded wooden frame
Dimensions (without frame): 21 x 16 cm
France, second half of the 19th century
Superb painted enamel from Limoges depicting Christ carrying his cross, in a lush composition inspired by the great masters of the Renaissance. Christ, dressed in purple and crowned with thorns, collapses under the weight of the cross, surrounded by an expressive crowd: soldiers, disciples, the Virgin, mourning figures and white mounts. The scene is distinguished by its liveliness, the quality of the modeling, the dramatic intensity and the chromatic richness. The enamel is presented in an oval frame of carved and gilded wood, decorated with pearls, enhanced by a central fleur-de-lis finial, typical of the historicist taste of the 19th century for the forms and styles of the Renaissance. A refined decorative piece, testimony to the rediscovery and reinterpretation of ancient techniques by the Limousin enamelers of the 19th century. Very good general condition. Enamel without shine, well-preserved old frame.
Provenance: Private collection, Saint-Cloud.