Six-rilled Cup On The Theme Of Morality And Virtue In The Style Of Jacques I Laudin

SIX-RILLED CUP on the theme of MORALITY and VIRTUE
In the style of Jacques I LAUDIN (c. 1627–1695)
Limoges, France, 17th century
Enameled copper
H.: 3; L.: 14.5; W.: 15.5 cm

Round cup with six gadroons and two handles, made of enameled copper with a hexagonal base, likely depicting the mythological scene of Samson fleeing Delilah in grisaille with gold highlights, accompanied by the Latin inscription “Victor non tutus,” an abbreviation of “Victor non tutus ab hoste est,” meaning: The victor is not safe from his enemy.

The lobes are adorned with Latin mottos depicted on a white background. Among these decorations is the phrase “Ex bello pax,” accompanied by an armet, which translates to “From war, peace” or “Peace is born of war. ” or “Durum aliena vivere ope,” accompanied by a unicorn in a landscape, which translates to “It is difficult to live at the expense of others”).

The reverse features a medallion with the coat of arms and the Latin motto “Aeternum meditans,” meaning “Meditating on (or aspiring to) eternal glory,” adopted by François de France, Duke of Anjou and Alençon (1555–1584), the youngest son of Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici.
The outer frieze is punctuated by three bird figures, flowers with small square silver leaf motifs called “paillons” in place of petals, and gold foliage scrolls on a black background.
The handles are flat and openwork, decorated with gold scrolls on a black background.

Bibliography:
A cup with six godrons is reproduced in the book Musée du Louvre, les émaux peints de Limogesby Sophie Baratte, 2000, p. 403.

Good condition, slight hairline cracks.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. 7458