Limoges Enamel – Descent From The Cross – In The Style Of Limoges Enamels Around 1500 - Enamels

Last quarter of the 19th century – Circa 1870–1890 In the style of Limoges enamels circa 1500 France, Limoges Elegant private devotional plaque in polychrome enameled copper, made in the style of the great Limousin workshops of the late Middle Ages, notably that of Nardon Pénicaud. The scene depicted is that of the Descent from the Cross: the body of Christ, in the center, is supported by Joseph of Arimathea, while the Virgin collapses, taken in by Saint John. The background of the composition is decorated with the instruments of the Passion: the cross, the nails, the hammer, the ladder, the pliers, the linen, and even the rooster of Saint Peter. The starry sky is surmounted by a false cabochon painted in trompe-l'oeil, evoking the decorative tradition of Gothic enamels. The pictorial treatment combines painted enamel, gilded spangles and gold highlights. The reverse is enameled in black, in keeping with the tradition of Renaissance plaques. Although this work is late, it is fully in line with the neo-Gothic revival in Limousin in the 19th century, driven by major religious commissions, historicist collectors, and national museums. This type of plaque, intimate and spiritual, adorned domestic oratories or amateur cabinets. With its precision, brilliance, and composition faithful to medieval iconography, it constitutes a precious testimony to the romantic taste for the Christian Middle Ages. Iconographic note: The Descent from the Cross is a major theme in Christian iconography. It embodies the moment of extreme compassion between mother and son, and announces the sacred mourning of the entombment. Frequently represented in the arts at the end of the Middle Ages, this scene reinforces the emotional bond between the faithful and the suffering body of Christ. The version reproduced here very faithfully follows the structure of the painted or enameled triptychs of the early Limoges Renaissance. Dimensions: – Height: 19.5 cm – Width: 7.5 cm Condition: Good overall condition. Visible chip in the lower right corner and some slight losses to the enamel. Reverse well preserved. Delivery exclusively via DHL, with secure packaging, tracking and insurance.