Saint Margaret Defeating The Dragon

Atelier des Laudin, Limoges

Late 17th century.

Polychrome painted enamel on copper, highlighted with gold.

Height: 19.3 cm

Width: 15.7 cm

A large, slightly domed rectangular enameled copper plaque depicting Saint Margaret of Antioch triumphing over the dragon, one of the most iconic subjects in Christian iconography.

The saint is depicted standing, surrounded by a golden halo, dressed in a flowing robe in shades of blue, and holding in her right hand a cross raised above the vanquished monster. In her left hand, she holds the palm of martyrdom. At her feet lies the dragon with its mouth wide open, a symbol of the devil vanquished by faith.

The composition stands out against a deep midnight-blue background enhanced with gold highlights, characteristic of Limousin works from the late 17th century. The entire piece is framed by a double gold border and displays remarkable mastery in the rendering of faces, drapery, and lighting effects.

The reverse is entirely back-enameled in a very dark blue, almost black, and bears the inscription:

“ Laudin in the Faubourg de Manigne in Limoges”

This inscription links the work to the famous Laudin dynasty, one of the most important families of Limoges enamelers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Margaret of Antioch in Pisidia, a virgin and martyr of the early 4th century, is known from the account in the Golden Legend by Jacques de Voragine. Imprisoned for refusing to renounce her Christian faith, she is said to have triumphed over the devil, who appeared in the form of a dragon. Having become the patron saint of pregnant women, she is also among the saints who appeared to Joan of Arc to entrust her with her mission.

A very similar depiction is preserved in the collections of the Sainte-Croix Museum in Poitiers.

In remarkable condition.

The 17th- and 18th-century Limoges enamel plaques preserved today frequently exhibit chips, old restorations, cracks, or varying degrees of enamel loss. This particular example, on the other hand, stands out for the excellent condition of its enameled surface.

No significant damage is visible; the composition remains perfectly legible, the colors have retained all their vibrancy, and the gold highlights remain particularly well-preserved. This level of preservation has become rare for an enameled plate from this period.

Recently installed display frame that elegantly showcases the work while ensuring its protection.

Price: €3,850

Period: Late 17th century

Origin: Limoges, France

Material: Polychrome painted enamel on copper

Condition: Very good condition