Ernest Blancher – Young Woman In Eastern European Costume, Limoges Enamel, Dated 1913

Polychrome enamel on copper, created in Limoges by Ernest Blancher, depicting a bust portrait in profile of a young woman dressed in an elaborate traditional costume reminiscent of Eastern Europe, likely of Slavic or Balkan inspiration.

The subject wears a spectacular headdress accented with gold and deep blue, adorned with small pendants. Her light-colored, richly decorated garment features a delicate interplay of colors and textures, while a red pearl necklace accentuates her neck. The face, rendered with finesse in soft, nuanced tones, stands out against a slightly iridescent background.

The piece perfectly illustrates the Belle Époque’s taste for female figures in historical or traditional costumes, a subject particularly well-suited to the decorative and luminous effects of Limoges painted enamel.

The reverse bears an interesting old dedication inscribed in gold:

“To our beloved niece
Marie and Amélie Ardillier
May 14, 1913”

as well as the signature:

“E. Blancher fecit
Limoges”

This inscription allows the work to be precisely dated to 1913 and lends it an interesting documentary value.

The enamel is set in its original natural wood frame with a molded oval opening.

Shipping: 14 euros within France, 25 euros within the EU, and 100 euros to the rest of the world.